Being suddenly called in the midst of the last session of Congress by a painful dispensation of Divine Providence to the responsible station which I now hold, I contented myself with such communications to the Legislature as the exigency of the moment seemed to require. The country was shrouded in mourning for the loss of its venerable Chief Magistrate and all hearts were penetrated with grief. Neither the time nor the occasion appeared to require or to justify on my part any general expression of political opinions or any announcement of the principles which would govern me in the discharge of the duties to the performance of which I had been so unexpectedly called. I trust, therefore, that it may not be deemed inappropriate if I avail myself of this opportunity of the reassembling of Congress to make known my sentiments in a general manner in regard to the policy which ought to be pursued by the Government both in its intercourse with foreign nations and its management and administration of internal affairs. Nations, like individuals in a state of nature, are equal and independent, possessing certain rights and owing certain duties to each other, arising from their necessary and unavoidable relations; which rights and duties there is no common human authority to protect and enforce. Still, they are rights and duties, binding in morals, in conscience, and in honor, although there is no tribunal to which an injured party can appeal but the disinterested judgment of mankind, and ultimately the arbitrament of the sword. Among the acknowledged rights of nations is that which each possesses of establishing that form of government which it may deem most conducive to the happiness and prosperity of its own citizens, of changing that form as circumstances may require, and of managing its internal affairs according to its own will. The people of the United States claim this right for themselves, and they readily concede it to others. Hence it becomes an imperative duty not to interfere in the government or internal policy of other nations; and although we may sympathize with the unfortunate or the oppressed everywhere in their struggles for freedom, our principles forbid us from taking any part in such foreign contests. We make no wars to promote or to prevent successions to thrones, to maintain any theory of a balance of power, or to suppress the actual government which any country chooses to establish for itself. We instigate no revolutions, nor suffer any hostile military expeditions to be fitted out in the United States to invade the territory or provinces of a friendly nation. The great law of morality ought to have a national as well as a personal and individual application. We should act toward other nations as we wish them to act toward us, and justice and conscience should form the rule of conduct between governments, instead of mere power, self interest, or the desire of aggrandizement. To maintain a strict neutrality in foreign wars, to cultivate friendly relations, to reciprocate every noble and generous act, and to perform punctually and scrupulously every treaty obligation--these are the duties which we owe to other states, and by the performance of which we best entitle ourselves to like treatment from them; or, if that, in any case, be refused, we can enforce our own rights with justice and a clear conscience. In our domestic policy the Constitution will be my guide, and in questions of doubt I shall look for its interpretation to the judicial decisions of that tribunal which was established to expound it and to the usage of the Government, sanctioned by the acquiescence of the country. I regard all its provisions as equally binding. In all its parts it is the will of the people expressed in the most solemn form, and the constituted authorities are but agents to carry that will into effect. Every power which it has granted is to be exercised for the public good; but no pretense of utility, no honest conviction, even, of what might be expedient, can justify the assumption of any power not granted. The powers conferred upon the Government and their distribution to the several departments are as clearly expressed in that sacred instrument as the imperfection of human language will allow, and I deem it my first duty not to question its wisdom, add to its provisions, evade its requirements, or nullify its commands. Upon you, fellow-citizens, as the representatives of the States and the people, is wisely devolved the legislative power. I shall comply with my duty in laying before you from time to time any information calculated to enable you to discharge your high and responsible trust for the benefit of our common constituents. My opinions will be frankly expressed upon the leading subjects of legislation; and if--which I do not anticipate--any act should pass the two Houses of Congress which should appear to me unconstitutional, or an encroachment on the just powers of other departments, or with provisions hastily adopted and likely to produce consequences injurious and unforeseen, I should not shrink from the duty of returning it to you, with my reasons, for your further consideration. Beyond the due performance of these constitutional obligations, both my respect for the Legislature and my sense of propriety will restrain me from any attempt to control or influence your proceedings. With you is the power, the honor, and the responsibility of the legislation of the country. The Government of the United States is a limited Government. It is confined to the exercise of powers expressly granted and such others as may be necessary for carrying those powers into effect; and it is at all times an especial duty to guard against any infringement on the just rights of the States. Over the objects and subjects intrusted to Congress its legislative authority is supreme. But here that authority ceases, and every citizen who truly loves the Constitution and desires the continuance of its existence and its blessings will resolutely and firmly resist any interference in those domestic affairs which the Constitution has dearly and unequivocally left to the exclusive authority of the States. And every such citizen will also deprecate useless irritation among the several members of the Union and all reproach and crimination tending to alienate one portion of the country from another. The beauty of our system of government consists, and its safety and durability must consist, in avoiding mutual collisions and encroachments and in the regular separate action of all, while each is revolving in its own distinct orbit. The Constitution has made it the duty of the President to take care that the laws be faithfully executed. In a government like ours, in which all laws are passed by a majority of the representatives of the people, and these representatives are chosen for such short periods that any injurious or obnoxious law can very soon be repealed, it would appear unlikely that any great numbers should be found ready to resist the execution of the laws. But it must be borne in mind that the country is extensive; that there may be local interests or prejudices rendering a law odious in one part which is not so in another, and that the thoughtless and inconsiderate, misled by their passions or their imaginations, may be induced madly to resist such laws as they disapprove. Such persons should recollect that without law there can be no real practical liberty; that when law is trampled under foot tyranny rules, whether it appears in the form of a military despotism or of popular violence. The law is the only sure protection of the weak and the only efficient restraint upon the strong. When impartially and faithfully administered, none is beneath its protection and none above its control. You, gentlemen, and the country may be assured that to the utmost of my ability and to the extent of the power vested in me I shall at all times and in all places take care that the laws be faithfully executed. In the discharge of this duty, solemnly imposed upon me by the Constitution and by my oath of office, I shall shrink from no responsibility, and shall endeavor to meet events as they may arise with firmness, as well as with prudence and discretion. The appointing power is one of the most delicate with which the Executive is invested. I regard it as a sacred trust, to be exercised with the sole view of advancing the prosperity and happiness of the people. It shall be my effort to elevate the standard of official employment by selecting for places of importance individuals fitted for the posts to which they are assigned by their known integrity, talents, and virtues. In so extensive a country, with so great a population, and where few persons appointed to office can be known to the appointing power, mistakes will sometimes unavoidably happen and unfortunate appointments be made notwithstanding the greatest care. In such cases the power of removal may be properly exercised; and neglect of duty or malfeasance in office will be no more tolerated in individuals appointed by myself than in those appointed by others. 
  I am happy in being able to say that no unfavorable change in our foreign relations has taken place since the message at the opening of the 
  last session of Congress. We are at peace with all nations and we enjoy in an eminent degree the blessings of that peace in a prosperous and
 growing commerce and in all the forms of amicable national intercourse. The unexampled growth of the country, the present amount of its population, and its ample means of self-protection assure for it the respect of all nations, while it is trusted that its character for justice and a regard to the rights of other States will cause that respect to be readily and cheerfully paid. A convention was negotiated between the United States and Great Britain in April last for facilitating and protecting the construction of a ship canal between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and for other purposes. The instrument has since been ratified by the contracting parties, the exchange of ratifications has been effected, and proclamation thereof has been duly made. In addition to the stipulations contained in this convention, two other objects remain to be accomplished between the contracting powers: First. The designation and establishment of a free port at each end of the canal. Second. An agreement fixing the distance from the shore within which belligerent maritime operations shall not be carried on. On these points there is little doubt that the two Governments will come to an understanding. The company of citizens of the United States who have acquired from the State of Nicaragua the privilege of constructing a ship canal between the two oceans through the territory of that State have made progress in their preliminary arrangements. The treaty between the United States and Great Britain of the 19th of April last, above referred to, being now in operation, it is to be hoped that the guaranties which it offers will be sufficient to secure the completion of the work with all practicable expedition. It is obvious that this result would be indefinitely postponed if any other than peaceful measures for the purpose of harmonizing conflicting claims to territory in that quarter should be adopted. It will consequently be my endeavor to cause any further negotiations on the part of this Government which may be requisite for this purpose to be so conducted as to bring them to a speedy and successful close. Some unavoidable delay has occurred, arising from distance and the difficulty of intercourse between this Government and that of Nicaragua, but as intelligence has just been received of the appointment of an envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of that Government to reside at Washington, whose arrival may soon be expected, it is hoped that no further impediments will be experienced in the prompt transaction of business between the two Governments. Citizens of the United States have undertaken the connection of the two oceans by means of a railroad across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, under grants of the Mexican Government to a citizen of that Republic. It is understood that a thorough survey of the course of the communication is in preparation, and there is every reason to expect that it will be prosecuted with characteristic energy, especially when that Government shall have consented to such stipulations with the Government of the United States as may be necessary to impart a feeling of security to those who may embark their property in the enterprise. Negotiations are pending for the accomplishment of that object, and a hope is confidently entertained that when the Government of Mexico shall become duly sensible of the advantages which that country can not fail to derive from the work, and learn that the Government of the United States desires that the right of sovereignty of Mexico in the Isthmus shall remain unimpaired, the stipulations referred to will be agreed to with alacrity. By the last advices from Mexico it would appear, however, that that Government entertains strong objections to some of the stipulations which the parties concerned in the project of the railroad deem necessary for their protection and security. Further consideration, it is to be hoped, or some modification of terms, may yet reconcile the differences existing between the two Governments in this respect. Fresh instructions have recently been given to the minister of the United States in Mexico, who is prosecuting the subject with promptitude and ability. Although the negotiations with Portugal for the payment of claims of citizens of the United States against that Government have not yet resulted in a formal treaty, yet a proposition, made by the Government of Portugal for the final adjustment and payment of those claims, has recently been accepted on the part of the United States. It gives me pleasure to say that Mr. Clay, to whom the negotiation on the part of the United States had been intrusted, discharged the duties of his appointment with ability and discretion, acting always within the instructions of his Government. It is expected that a regular convention will be immediately negotiated for carrying the agreement between the two Governments into effect. The commissioner appointed under the act of Congress for carrying into effect the convention with Brazil of the 27th of January, 1849, has entered upon the performance of the duties imposed upon him by that act. It is hoped that those duties may be completed within the time which it prescribes. The documents, however, which the Imperial Government, by the third article of the convention, stipulates to furnish to the Government of the United States have not yet been received. As it is presumed that those documents will be essential for the correct disposition of the claims, it may become necessary for Congress to extend the period limited for the duration of the commission. The sum stipulated by the fourth article of the convention to be paid to this Government has been received. The collection in the ports of the United States of discriminating duties upon the vessels of Chili and their cargoes has been suspended, pursuant to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of May, 1828. It is to be hoped that this measure will impart a fresh impulse to the commerce between the two countries, which of late, and especially since our acquisition of California, has, to the mutual advantage of the parties, been much augmented. Peruvian guano has become so desirable an article to the agricultural interest of the United States that it is the duty of the Government to employ all the means properly in its power for the purpose of causing that article to be imported into the country at a reasonable price. Nothing will be omitted on my part toward accomplishing this desirable end. I am persuaded that in removing any restraints on this traffic the Peruvian Government will promote its own best interests, while it will afford a proof of a friendly disposition toward this country, which will be duly appreciated. The treaty between the United States and His Majesty the King of the Hawaiian Islands, which has recently been made public, will, it is believed, have a beneficial effect upon the relations between the two countries. The relations between those parts of the island of St. Domingo which were formerly colonies of Spain and France, respectively, are still in an unsettled condition. The proximity of that island to the United States and the delicate questions involved in the existing controversy there render it desirable that it should be permanently and speedily adjusted. The interests of humanity and of general commerce also demand this; and as intimations of the same sentiment have been received from other governments, it is hoped that some plan may soon be devised to effect the object in a manner likely to give general satisfaction. The Government of the United States will not fail, by the exercise of all proper friendly offices, to do all in its power to put an end to the destructive war which has raged between the different parts of the island and to secure to them both the benefits of peace and commerce. I refer you to the report of the Secretary of the Treasury for a detailed statement of the finances. The total receipts into the Treasury for the year ending 30th of June last were $47,421,748.90. The total expenditures during the same period were $43,002,168.90. The public debt has been reduced since the last annual report from the Treasury Department $495,276.79. By the nineteenth section of the act of 28th January, 1847, the proceeds of the sales of the public lands were pledged for the interest and principal of the public debt. The great amount of those lands subsequently granted by Congress for military bounties will, it is believed, very nearly supply the public demand for several years to come, and but little reliance can, therefore, be placed on that hitherto fruitful source of revenue. Aside from the permanent annual expenditures, which have necessarily largely increased, a portion of the public debt, amounting to $8,075,986.59, must be provided for within the next two fiscal years. It is most desirable that these accruing demands should be met without resorting to new loans. All experience has demonstrated the wisdom and policy of raising a large portion of revenue for the support of Government from duties on goods imported. The power to lay these duties is unquestionable, and its chief object, of course, is to replenish the Treasury. But if in doing this an incidental advantage may be gained by encouraging the industry of our own citizens, it is our duty to avail ourselves of that advantage. A duty laid upon an article which can not be produced in this country, such as tea or coffee, adds to the cost of the article, and is chiefly or wholly paid by the consumer. But a duty laid upon an article which may be produced here stimulates the skill and industry of our own country to produce the same article, which is brought into the market in competition with the foreign article, and the importer is thus compelled to reduce his price to that at which the domestic article can be sold, thereby throwing a part of the duty upon the producer of the foreign article. The continuance of this process creates the skill and invites the capital which finally enable us to produce the article much cheaper than it could have been procured from abroad, thereby benefiting both the producer and the consumer at home. The consequence of this is that the artisan and the agriculturist are brought together, each affords a ready market for the produce of the other, the whole country becomes prosperous, and the ability to produce every necessary of life renders us independent in war as well as in peace. A high tariff can never be permanent. It will cause dissatisfaction, and will be changed. It excludes competition, and thereby invites the investment of capital in manufactures to such excess that when changed it brings distress, bankruptcy, and ruin upon all who have been misled by its faithless protection. What the manufacturer wants is uniformity and permanency, that he may feel a confidence that he is not to be ruined by sudden exchanges. But to make a tariff uniform and permanent it is not only necessary that the laws should not be altered, but that the duty should not fluctuate. To effect this all duties should be specific wherever the nature of the article is such as to admit of it. Ad valorem duties fluctuate with the price and offer strong temptations to fraud and perjury. Specific duties, on the contrary, are equal and uniform in all ports and at all times, and offer a strong inducement to the importer to bring the best article, as he pays no more duty upon that than upon one of inferior quality. I therefore strongly recommend a modification of the present tariff, which has prostrated some of our most important and necessary manufactures, and that specific duties be imposed sufficient to raise the requisite revenue, making such discriminations in favor of the industrial pursuits of our own country as to encourage home production without excluding foreign competition. It is also important that an unfortunate provision in the present tariff, which imposes a much higher duty upon the raw material that enters into our manufactures than upon the manufactured article, should be remedied. The papers accompanying the report of the Secretary of the Treasury will disclose frauds attempted upon the revenue, in variety and amount so great as to justify the conclusion that it is impossible under any system of ad valorem duties levied upon the foreign cost or value of the article to secure an honest observance and an effectual administration of the laws. The fraudulent devices to evade the law which have been detected by the vigilance of the appraisers leave no room to doubt that similar impositions not discovered, to a large amount, have been successfully practiced since the enactment of the law now in force. This state of things has already had a prejudicial influence upon those engaged in foreign commerce. It has a tendency to drive the honest trader from the business of importing and to throw that important branch of employment into the hands of unscrupulous and dishonest men, who are alike regardless of law and the obligations of an oath. By these means the plain intentions of Congress, as expressed in the law, are daily defeated. Every motive of policy and duty, therefore, impels me to ask the earnest attention of Congress to this subject. If Congress should deem it unwise to attempt any important changes in the system of levying duties at this session, it will become indispensable to the protection of the revenue that such remedies as in the judgment of Congress may mitigate the evils complained of should be at once applied. As before stated, specific duties would, in my opinion, afford the most perfect remedy for this evil; but if you should not concur in this view, then, as a partial remedy, I beg leave respectfully to recommend that instead of taking the invoice of the article abroad as a means of determining its value here, the correctness of which invoice it is in many cases impossible to verify, the law be so changed as to require a home valuation or appraisal, to be regulated in such manner as to give, as far as practicable, uniformity in the several ports. There being no mint in California, I am informed that the laborers in the mines are compelled to dispose of their gold dust at a large discount. This appears to me to be a heavy and unjust tax upon the labor of those employed in extracting this precious metal, and I doubt not you will be disposed at the earliest period possible to relieve them from it by the establishment of a mint. In the meantime, as an assayer's office is established there, I would respectfully submit for your consideration the propriety of authorizing gold bullion which has been assayed and stamped to be received in payment of Government dues. I can not conceive that the Treasury would suffer any loss by such a provision, which will at once raise bullion to its par value, and thereby save (if I am rightly informed) many millions of dollars to the laborers which are now paid in brokerage to convert this precious metal into available funds. This discount upon their hard earnings is a heavy tax, and every effort should be made by the Government to relieve them from so great a burden. More than three-fourths of our population are engaged in the cultivation of the soil. The commercial, manufacturing, and navigating interests are all to a great extent dependent on the agricultural. It is therefore the most important interest of the nation, and has a just claim to the fostering care and protection of the Government so far as they can be extended consistently with the provisions of the Constitution. As this can not be done by the ordinary modes of legislation, I respectfully recommend the establishment of an agricultural bureau, to be charged with the duty of giving to this leading branch of American industry the encouragement which it so well deserves. In view of the immense mineral resources of our country, provision should also be made for the employment of a competent mineralogist and chemist, who should be required, under the direction of the head of the bureau, to collect specimens of the various minerals of our country and to ascertain by careful analysis their respective elements and properties and their adaptation to useful purposes. He should also be required to examine and report upon the qualities of different soils and the manures best calculated to improve their productiveness. By publishing the results of such experiments, with suitable explanations, and by the collection and distribution of rare seeds and plants, with instructions as to the best system of cultivation, much may be done to promote this great national interest. In compliance with the act of Congress passed on the 23d of May, 1850, providing, among other things, for taking the Seventh Census, a superintendent was appointed and all other measures adopted which were deemed necessary to insure the prompt and faithful performance of that duty. The appropriation already made will, it is believed, be sufficient to defray the whole expense of the work, but further legislation may be necessary in regard to the compensation of some of the marshals of the Territories. It will also be proper to make provision by law at an early day for the publication of such abstracts of the returns as the public interests may require. The unprecedented growth of our territories on the Pacific in wealth and population and the consequent increase of their social and commercial relations with the Atlantic States seem to render it the duty of the Government to use all its constitutional power to improve the means of intercourse with them. The importance of opening "a line of communication, the best and most expeditious of which the nature of the country will admit," between the Valley of the Mississippi and the Pacific was brought to your notice by my predecessor in his annual message; and as the reasons which he presented in favor of the measure still exist in full force, I beg leave to call your attention to them and to repeat the recommendations then made by him. The uncertainty which exists in regard to the validity of land titles in California is a subject which demands your early consideration. Large bodies of land in that State are claimed under grants said to have been made by authority of the Spanish and Mexican Governments. Many of these have not been perfected, others have been revoked, and some are believed to be fraudulent. But until they shall have been judicially investigated they will continue to retard the settlement and improvement of the country. I therefore respectfully recommend that provision be made by law for the appointment of commissioners to examine all such claims with a view to their final adjustment. I also beg leave to call your attention to the propriety of extending at an early day our system of land laws, with such modifications as may be necessary, over the State of California and the Territories of Utah and New Mexico. The mineral lands of California will, of course, form an exception to any general system which may be adopted. Various methods of disposing of them have been suggested. I was at first inclined to favor the system of leasing, as it seemed to promise the largest revenue to the Government and to afford the best security against monopolies; but further reflection and our experience in leasing the lead mines and selling lands upon credit have brought my mind to the conclusion that there would be great difficulty in collecting the rents, and that the relation of debtor and creditor between the citizens and the Government would be attended with many mischievous consequences. I therefore recommend that instead of retaining the mineral lands under the permanent control of the Government they be divided into small parcels and sold, under such restrictions as to quantity and time as will insure the best price and guard most effectually against combinations of capitalists to obtain monopolies. The annexation of Texas and the acquisition of California and New Mexico have given increased importance to our Indian relations. The various tribes brought under our jurisdiction by these enlargements of our boundaries are estimated to embrace a population of 124,000. Texas and New Mexico are surrounded by powerful tribes of Indians, who are a source of constant terror and annoyance to the inhabitants. Separating into small predatory bands, and always mounted, they overrun the country, devastating farms, destroying crops, driving off whole herds of cattle, and occasionally murdering the inhabitants or carrying them into captivity. The great roads leading into the country are infested with them, whereby traveling is rendered extremely dangerous and immigration is almost entirely arrested. The Mexican frontier, which by the eleventh article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo we are bound to protect against the Indians within our border, is exposed to these incursions equally with our own. The military force stationed in that country, although forming a large proportion of the Army, is represented as entirely inadequate to our own protection and the fulfillment of our treaty stipulations with Mexico. The principal deficiency is in cavalry, and I recommend that Congress should, at as early a period as practicable, provide for the raising of one or more regiments of mounted men. For further suggestions on this subject and others connected with our domestic interests and the defense of our frontier, I refer you to the reports of the Secretary of the Interior and of the Secretary of War. I commend also to your favorable consideration the suggestion contained in the last-mentioned report and in the letter of the General in Chief relative to the establishment of an asylum for the relief of disabled and destitute soldiers. This subject appeals so strongly to your sympathies that it would be superfluous in me to say anything more than barely to express my cordial approbation of the proposed object. The Navy continues to give protection to our commerce and other national interests in the different quarters of the globe, and, with the exception of a single steamer on the Northern lakes, the vessels in commission are distributed in six different squadrons. The report of the head of that Department will exhibit the services of these squadrons and of the several vessels employed in each during the past year. It is a source of gratification that, while they have been constantly prepared for any hostile emergency, they have everywhere met with the respect and courtesy due as well to the dignity as to the peaceful dispositions and just purposes of the nation. The two brigantines accepted by the Government from a generous citizen of New York and placed under the command of an officer of the Navy to proceed to the Arctic Seas in quest of the British commander Sir John Franklin and his companions, in compliance with the act of Congress approved in May last, had when last heard from penetrated into a high northern latitude; but the success of this noble and humane enterprise is yet uncertain. I invite your attention to the view of our present naval establishment and resources presented in the report of the Secretary of the Navy, and the suggestions therein made for its improvement, together with the naval policy recommended for the security of our Pacific Coast and the protection and extension of our commerce with eastern Asia. Our facilities for a larger participation in the trade of the East, by means of our recent settlements on the shores of the Pacific, are too obvious to be overlooked or disregarded. The questions in relation to rank in the Army and Navy and relative rank between officers of the two branches of the service, presented to the Executive by certain resolutions of the House of Representatives at the last session of Congress, have been submitted to a board of officers in each branch of the service, and their report may be expected at an early day. I also earnestly recommend the enactment of a law authorizing officers of the Army and Navy to be retired from the service when incompetent for its vigorous and active duties, taking care to make suitable provision for those who have faithfully served their country and awarding distinctions by retaining in appropriate commands those who have been particularly conspicuous for gallantry and good conduct. While the obligation of the country to maintain and honor those who, to the exclusion of other pursuits, have devoted themselves to its arduous service is acknowledged, this obligation should not be permitted to interfere with the efficiency of the service itself. I am gratified in being able to state that the estimates of expenditure for the Navy in the ensuing year are less by more than $1,000,000 than those of the present, excepting the appropriation which may become necessary for the construction of a dock on the coast of the Pacific, propositions for which are now being considered and on which a special report may be expected early in your present session. There is an evident justness in the suggestion of the same report that appropriations for the naval service proper should be separated from those for fixed and permanent objects, such as building docks and navy yards and the fixtures attached, and from the extraordinary objects under the care of the Department which, however important, are not essentially naval. A revision of the code for the government of the Navy seems to require the immediate consideration of Congress. Its system of crimes and punishments had undergone no change for half a century until the last session, though its defects have been often and ably pointed out; and the abolition of a particular species of corporal punishment, which then took place, without providing any substitute, has left the service in a state of defectiveness which calls for prompt correction. I therefore recommend that the whole subject be revised without delay and such a system established for the enforcement of discipline as shall be at once humane and effectual. The accompanying report of the Postmaster-General presents a satisfactory view of the operations and condition of that Department. At the close of the last fiscal year the length of the inland mail routes in the United States (not embracing the service in Oregon and California) was 178,672 miles, the annual transportation thereon 46,541,423 miles, and the annual cost of such transportation $2,724,426. The increase of the annual transportation over that of the preceding year was 3,997,354 miles and the increase in cost was $342,440. The number of post-offices in the United States on the 1st day of July last was 18,417, being an increase of 1,670 during the preceding year. The gross revenues of the Department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1850, amounted to $5,552,971.48, including the annual appropriation of $200,000 for the franked matter of the Departments and excluding the foreign postages collected for and payable to the British Government. The expenditures for the same period were $5,212,953.43, leaving a balance of revenue over expenditures of $340,018.05. I am happy to find that the fiscal condition of the Department is such as to justify the Postmaster-General in recommending the reduction of our inland letter postage to 3 cents the single letter when prepaid and 5 cents when not prepaid. He also recommends that the prepaid rate shall be reduced to 2 cents whenever the revenues of the Department, after the reduction, shall exceed its expenditures by more than 5 per cent for two consecutive years; that the postage upon California and other letters sent by our ocean steamers shall be much reduced, and that the rates of postage on newspapers, pamphlets, periodicals, and other printed matter shall be modified and some reduction thereon made. It can not be doubted that the proposed reductions will for the present diminish the revenues of the Department. It is believed that the deficiency, after the surplus already accumulated shall be exhausted, may be almost wholly met either by abolishing the existing privileges of sending free matter through the mails or by paying out of the Treasury to the Post-Office Department a sum equivalent to the postage of which it is deprived by such privileges. The last is supposed to be the preferable mode, and will, if not entirely, so nearly supply that deficiency as to make any further appropriation that may be found necessary so inconsiderable as to form no obstacle to the proposed reductions. I entertain no doubt of the authority of Congress to make appropriations for leading objects in that class of public works comprising what are usually called works of internal improvement. This authority I suppose to be derived chiefly from the power of regulating commerce with foreign nations and among the States and the power of laying and collecting imposts. Where commerce is to be carried on and imposts collected there must be ports and harbors as well as wharves and custom-houses. If ships laden with valuable cargoes approach the shore or sail along the coast, light-houses are necessary at suitable points for the protection of life and property. Other facilities and securities for commerce and navigation are hardly less important; and those clauses of the Constitution, therefore, to which I have referred have received from the origin of the Government a liberal and beneficial construction. Not only have light-houses, buoys, and beacons been established and floating lights maintained, but harbors have been cleared and improved, piers constructed, and even breakwaters for the safety of shipping and sea walls to protect harbors from being filled up and rendered useless by the action of the ocean, have been erected at very great expense. And this construction of the Constitution appears the more reasonable from the consideration that if these works, of such evident importance and utility, are not to be accomplished by Congress they can not be accomplished at all. By the adoption of the Constitution the several States voluntarily parted with the power of collecting duties of imposts in their own ports, and it is not to be expected that they should raise money by internal taxation, direct or indirect, for the benefit of that commerce the revenues derived from which do not, either in whole or in part, go into their own treasuries. Nor do I perceive any difference between the power of Congress to make appropriations for objects of this kind on the ocean and the power to make appropriations for similar objects on lakes and rivers, wherever they are large enough to bear on their waters an extensive traffic. The magnificent Mississippi and its tributaries and the vast lakes of the North and Northwest appear to me to fall within the exercise of the power as justly and as clearly as the ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It is a mistake to regard expenditures judiciously made for these objects as expenditures for local purposes. The position or sight of the work is necessarily local, but its utility is general. A ship canal around the Falls of St. Mary of less than a mile in length, though local in its construction, would yet be national in its purpose and its benefits, as it would remove the only obstruction to a navigation of more than 1,000 miles, affecting several States, as well as our commercial relations with Canada. So, too, the breakwater at the mouth of the Delaware is erected, not for the exclusive benefit of the States bordering on the bay and river of that name, but for that of the whole coastwise navigation of the United States and, to a considerable extent, also of foreign commerce. If a ship be lost on the bar at the entrance of a Southern port for want of sufficient depth of water, it is very likely to be a Northern ship; and if a steamboat be sunk in any part of the Mississippi on account of its channel not having been properly cleared of obstructions, it may be a boat belonging to either of eight or ten States. I may add, as somewhat remarkable, that among all the thirty-one States there is none that is not to a greater or less extent bounded on the ocean, or the Gulf of Mexico, or one of the Great Lakes, or some navigable river. In fulfilling our constitutional duties, fellow-citizens, on this subject, as in carrying into effect all other powers conferred by the Constitution, we should consider ourselves as deliberating and acting for one and the same country, and bear constantly in mind that our regard and our duty are due not to a particular part only, but to the whole. I therefore recommend that appropriations be made for completing such works as have been already begun and for commencing such others as may seem to the wisdom of Congress to be of public and general importance. The difficulties and delays incident to the settlement of private claims by Congress amount in many cases to a denial of justice. There is reason to apprehend that many unfortunate creditors of the Government have thereby been unavoidably ruined. Congress has so much business of a public character that it is impossible it should give much attention to mere private claims, and their accumulation is now so great that many claimants must despair of ever being able to obtain a hearing. It may well be doubted whether Congress, from the nature of its organization, is properly constituted to decide upon such cases. It is impossible that each member should examine the merits of every claim on which he is compelled to vote, and it is preposterous to ask a judge to decide a case which he has never heard. Such decisions may, and frequently must, do injustice either to the claimant or the Government, and I perceive no better remedy for this growing evil than the establishment of some tribunal to adjudicate upon such claims. I beg leave, therefore, most respectfully to recommend that provision be made by law for the appointment of a commission to settle all private claims against the United States; and as an ex parte hearing must in all contested cases be very unsatisfactory, I also recommend the appointment of a solicitor, whose duty it shall be to represent the Government before such commission and protect it against all illegal, fraudulent, or unjust claims which may be presented for their adjudication. This District, which has neither voice nor vote in your deliberations, looks to you for protection and aid, and I commend all its wants to your favorable consideration, with a full confidence that you will meet them not only with justice, but with liberality. It should be borne in mind that in this city, laid out by Washington and consecrated by his name, is located the Capitol of our nation, the emblem of our Union and the symbol of our greatness. Here also are situated all the public buildings necessary for the use of the Government, and all these are exempt from taxation. It should be the pride of Americans to render this place attractive to the people of the whole Republic and convenient and safe for the transaction of the public business and the preservation of the public records. The Government should therefore bear a liberal proportion of the burdens of all necessary and useful improvements. And as nothing could contribute more to the health, comfort, and safety of the city and the security of the public buildings and records than an abundant supply of pure water, I respectfully recommend that you make such provisions for obtaining the same as in your wisdom you may deem proper. The act, passed at your last session, making certain propositions to Texas for settling the disputed boundary between that State and the Territory of New Mexico was, immediately on its passage, transmitted by express to the governor of Texas, to be laid by him before the general assembly for its agreement thereto. Its receipt was duly acknowledged, but no official information has yet been received of the action of the general assembly thereon. It may, however, be very soon expected, as, by the terms of the propositions submitted they were to have been acted upon on or before the first day of the present month. It was hardly to have been expected that the series of measures passed at your last session with the view of healing the sectional differences which had sprung from the slavery and territorial questions should at once have realized their beneficent purpose. All mutual concession in the nature of a compromise must necessarily be unwelcome to men of extreme opinions. And though without such concessions our Constitution could not have been formed, and can not be permanently sustained, yet we have seen them made the subject of bitter controversy in both sections of the Republic. It required many months of discussion and deliberation to secure the concurrence of a majority of Congress in their favor. It would be strange if they had been received with immediate approbation by people and States prejudiced and heated by the exciting controversies of their representatives. I believe those measures to have been required by the circumstances and condition of the country. I believe they were necessary to allay asperities and animosities that were rapidly alienating one section of the country from another and destroying those fraternal sentiments which are the strongest supports of the Constitution. They were adopted in the spirit of conciliation and for the purpose of conciliation. I believe that a great majority of our fellow citizens sympathize in that spirit and that purpose, and in the main approve and are prepared in all respects to sustain these enactments. I can not doubt that the American people, bound together by kindred blood and common traditions, still cherish a paramount regard for the Union of their fathers, and that they are ready to rebuke any attempt to violate its integrity, to disturb the compromises on which it is based, or to resist the laws which have been enacted under its authority. The series of measures to which I have alluded are regarded by me as a settlement in principle and substance--a final settlement of the dangerous and exciting subjects which they embraced. Most of these subjects, indeed, are beyond your reach, as the legislation which disposed of them was in its character final and irrevocable. It may be presumed from the opposition which they all encountered that none of those measures was free from imperfections, but in their mutual dependence and connection they formed a system of compromise the most conciliatory and best for the entire country that could be obtained from conflicting sectional interests and opinions. For this reason I recommend your adherence to the adjustment established by those measures until time and experience shall demonstrate the necessity of further legislation to guard against evasion or abuse. By that adjustment we have been rescued from the wide and boundless agitation that surrounded us, and have a firm, distinct, and legal ground to rest upon. And the occasion, I trust, will justify me in exhorting my countrymen to rally upon and maintain that ground as the best, if not the only, means of restoring peace and quiet to the country and maintaining inviolate the integrity of the Union. And now, fellow-citizens, I can not bring this communication to a close without invoking you to join me in humble and devout thanks to the Great Ruler of Nations for the multiplied blessings which He has graciously bestowed upon us. His hand, so often visible in our preservation, has stayed the pestilence, saved us from foreign wars and domestic disturbances, and scattered plenty throughout the land. Our liberties, religions and civil, have been maintained, the fountains of knowledge have all been kept open, and means of happiness widely spread and generally enjoyed greater than have fallen to the lot of any other nation. And while deeply penetrated with gratitude for the past, let us hope that His all-wise providence will so guide our counsels as that they shall result in giving satisfaction to our constituents, securing the peace of the country, and adding new strength to the united Government under which we live.
Being suddenly called in the midst of the last session of Congress by a painful dispensation of Divine Providence to the responsible station which I now hold, I contented myself with such communications to the Legislature as the exigency of the moment seemed to require. The country was shrouded in mourning for the loss of its venerable Chief Magistrate and all hearts were penetrated with grief. Neither the time nor the occasion appeared to require or to justify on my part any general expression of political opinions or any announcement of the principles which would govern me in the discharge of the duties to the performance of which I had been so unexpectedly called. I trust, therefore, that it may not be deemed inappropriate if I avail myself of this opportunity of the reassembling of Congress to make known my sentiments in a general manner in regard to the policy which ought to be pursued by the Government both in its intercourse with foreign nations and its management and administration of internal affairs. Nations, like individuals in a state of nature, are equal and independent, possessing certain rights and owing certain duties to each other, arising from their necessary and unavoidable relations; which rights and duties there is no common human authority to protect and enforce. Still, they are rights and duties, binding in morals, in conscience, and in honor, although there is no tribunal to which an injured party can appeal but the disinterested judgment of mankind, and ultimately the arbitrament of the sword. Among the acknowledged rights of nations is that which each possesses of establishing that form of government which it may deem most conducive to the happiness and prosperity of its own citizens, of changing that form as circumstances may require, and of managing its internal affairs according to its own will. The people of the United States claim this right for themselves, and they readily concede it to others. Hence it becomes an imperative duty not to interfere in the government or internal policy of other nations; and although we may sympathize with the unfortunate or the oppressed everywhere in their struggles for freedom, our principles forbid us from taking any part in such foreign contests. We make no wars to promote or to prevent successions to thrones, to maintain any theory of a balance of power, or to suppress the actual government which any country chooses to establish for itself. We instigate no revolutions, nor suffer any hostile military expeditions to be fitted out in the United States to invade the territory or provinces of a friendly nation. The great law of morality ought to have a national as well as a personal and individual application. We should act toward other nations as we wish them to act toward us, and justice and conscience should form the rule of conduct between governments, instead of mere power, self interest, or the desire of aggrandizement. To maintain a strict neutrality in foreign wars, to cultivate friendly relations, to reciprocate every noble and generous act, and to perform punctually and scrupulously every treaty obligation--these are the duties which we owe to other states, and by the performance of which we best entitle ourselves to like treatment from them; or, if that, in any case, be refused, we can enforce our own rights with justice and a clear conscience. In our domestic policy the Constitution will be my guide, and in questions of doubt I shall look for its interpretation to the judicial decisions of that tribunal which was established to expound it and to the usage of the Government, sanctioned by the acquiescence of the country. I regard all its provisions as equally binding. In all its parts it is the will of the people expressed in the most solemn form, and the constituted authorities are but agents to carry that will into effect. Every power which it has granted is to be exercised for the public good; but no pretense of utility, no honest conviction, even, of what might be expedient, can justify the assumption of any power not granted. The powers conferred upon the Government and their distribution to the several departments are as clearly expressed in that sacred instrument as the imperfection of human language will allow, and I deem it my first duty not to question its wisdom, add to its provisions, evade its requirements, or nullify its commands. Upon you, fellow-citizens, as the representatives of the States and the people, is wisely devolved the legislative power. I shall comply with my duty in laying before you from time to time any information calculated to enable you to discharge your high and responsible trust for the benefit of our common constituents. My opinions will be frankly expressed upon the leading subjects of legislation; and if--which I do not anticipate--any act should pass the two Houses of Congress which should appear to me unconstitutional, or an encroachment on the just powers of other departments, or with provisions hastily adopted and likely to produce consequences injurious and unforeseen, I should not shrink from the duty of returning it to you, with my reasons, for your further consideration. Beyond the due performance of these constitutional obligations, both my respect for the Legislature and my sense of propriety will restrain me from any attempt to control or influence your proceedings. With you is the power, the honor, and the responsibility of the legislation of the country. The Government of the United States is a limited Government. It is confined to the exercise of powers expressly granted and such others as may be necessary for carrying those powers into effect; and it is at all times an especial duty to guard against any infringement on the just rights of the States. Over the objects and subjects intrusted to Congress its legislative authority is supreme. But here that authority ceases, and every citizen who truly loves the Constitution and desires the continuance of its existence and its blessings will resolutely and firmly resist any interference in those domestic affairs which the Constitution has dearly and unequivocally left to the exclusive authority of the States. And every such citizen will also deprecate useless irritation among the several members of the Union and all reproach and crimination tending to alienate one portion of the country from another. The beauty of our system of government consists, and its safety and durability must consist, in avoiding mutual collisions and encroachments and in the regular separate action of all, while each is revolving in its own distinct orbit. The Constitution has made it the duty of the President to take care that the laws be faithfully executed. In a government like ours, in which all laws are passed by a majority of the representatives of the people, and these representatives are chosen for such short periods that any injurious or obnoxious law can very soon be repealed, it would appear unlikely that any great numbers should be found ready to resist the execution of the laws. But it must be borne in mind that the country is extensive; that there may be local interests or prejudices rendering a law odious in one part which is not so in another, and that the thoughtless and inconsiderate, misled by their passions or their imaginations, may be induced madly to resist such laws as they disapprove. Such persons should recollect that without law there can be no real practical liberty; that when law is trampled under foot tyranny rules, whether it appears in the form of a military despotism or of popular violence. The law is the only sure protection of the weak and the only efficient restraint upon the strong. When impartially and faithfully administered, none is beneath its protection and none above its control. You, gentlemen, and the country may be assured that to the utmost of my ability and to the extent of the power vested in me I shall at all times and in all places take care that the laws be faithfully executed. In the discharge of this duty, solemnly imposed upon me by the Constitution and by my oath of office, I shall shrink from no responsibility, and shall endeavor to meet events as they may arise with firmness, as well as with prudence and discretion. The appointing power is one of the most delicate with which the Executive is invested. I regard it as a sacred trust, to be exercised with the sole view of advancing the prosperity and happiness of the people. It shall be my effort to elevate the standard of official employment by selecting for places of importance individuals fitted for the posts to which they are assigned by their known integrity, talents, and virtues. In so extensive a country, with so great a population, and where few persons appointed to office can be known to the appointing power, mistakes will sometimes unavoidably happen and unfortunate appointments be made notwithstanding the greatest care. In such cases the power of removal may be properly exercised; and neglect of duty or malfeasance in office will be no more tolerated in individuals appointed by myself than in those appointed by others. I am happy in being able to say that no unfavorable change in our foreign relations has taken place since the message at the opening of the last session of Congress. We are at peace with all nations and we enjoy in an eminent degree the blessings of that peace in a prosperous and growing commerce and in all the forms of amicable national intercourse. The unexampled growth of the country, the present amount of its population, and its ample means of self-protection assure for it the respect of all nations, while it is trusted that its character for justice and a regard to the rights of other States will because that respect to be readily and cheerfully paid. A convention was negotiated between the United States and Great Britain in April last for facilitating and protecting the construction of a ship canal between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and for other purposes. The instrument has since been ratified by the contracting parties, the exchange of ratifications has been effected, and proclamation thereof has been duly made. In addition to the stipulations contained in this convention, two other objects remain to be accomplished between the contracting powers: First. The designation and establishment of a free port at each end of the canal. Second. An agreement fixing the distance from the shore within which belligerent maritime operations shall not be carried on. On these points there is little doubt that the two Governments will come to an understanding. The company of citizens of the United States who have acquired from the State of Nicaragua the privilege of constructing a ship canal between the two oceans through the territory of that State have made progress in their preliminary arrangements. The treaty between the United States and Great Britain of the 19th of April last, above referred to, being now in operation, it is to be hoped that the guaranties which it offers will be sufficient to secure the completion of the work with all practicable expedition. It is obvious that this result would be indefinitely postponed if any other than peaceful measures for the purpose of harmonizing conflicting claims to territory in that quarter should be adopted. It will consequently be my endeavor to because any further negotiations on the part of this Government which may be requisite for this purpose to be so conducted as to bring them to a speedy and successful close. Some unavoidable delay has occurred, arising from distance and the difficulty of intercourse between this Government and that of Nicaragua, but as intelligence has just been received of the appointment of an envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of that Government to reside at Washington, whose arrival may soon be expected, it is hoped that no further impediments will be experienced in the prompt transaction of business between the two Governments. Citizens of the United States have undertaken the connection of the two oceans by means of a railroad across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, under grants of the Mexican Government to a citizen of that Republic. It is understood that a thorough survey of the course of the communication is in preparation, and there is every reason to expect that it will be prosecuted with characteristic energy, especially when that Government shall have consented to such stipulations with the Government of the United States as may be necessary to impart a feeling of security to those who may embark their property in the enterprise. Negotiations are pending for the accomplishment of that object, and a hope is confidently entertained that when the Government of Mexico shall become duly sensible of the advantages which that country can not fail to derive from the work, and learn that the Government of the United States desires that the right of sovereignty of Mexico in the Isthmus shall remain unimpaired, the stipulations referred to will be agreed to with alacrity. By the last advices from Mexico it would appear, however, that that Government entertains strong objections to some of the stipulations which the parties concerned in the project of the railroad deem necessary for their protection and security. Further consideration, it is to be hoped, or some modification of terms, may yet reconcile the differences existing between the two Governments in this respect. Fresh instructions have recently been given to the minister of the United States in Mexico, who is prosecuting the subject with promptitude and ability. Although the negotiations with Portugal for the payment of claims of citizens of the United States against that Government have not yet resulted in a formal treaty, yet a proposition, made by the Government of Portugal for the final adjustment and payment of those claims, has recently been accepted on the part of the United States. It gives me pleasure to say that Mr. Clay, to whom the negotiation on the part of the United States had been intrusted, discharged the duties of his appointment with ability and discretion, acting always within the instructions of his Government. It is expected that a regular convention will be immediately negotiated for carrying the agreement between the two Governments into effect. The commissioner appointed under the act of Congress for carrying into effect the convention with Brazil of the 27th of January, 1849, has entered upon the performance of the duties imposed upon him by that act. It is hoped that those duties may be completed within the time which it prescribes. The documents, however, which the Imperial Government, by the third article of the convention, stipulates to furnish to the Government of the United States have not yet been received. As it is presumed that those documents will be essential for the correct disposition of the claims, it may become necessary for Congress to extend the period limited for the duration of the commission. The sum stipulated by the fourth article of the convention to be paid to this Government has been received. The collection in the ports of the United States of discriminating duties upon the vessels of Chili and their cargoes has been suspended, pursuant to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of May, 1828. It is to be hoped that this measure will impart a fresh impulse to the commerce between the two countries, which of late, and especially since our acquisition of California, has, to the mutual advantage of the parties, been much augmented. Peruvian guano has become so desirable an article to the agricultural interest of the United States that it is the duty of the Government to employ all the means properly in its power for the purpose of causing that article to be imported into the country at a reasonable price. Nothing will be omitted on my part toward accomplishing this desirable end. I am persuaded that in removing any restraints on this traffic the Peruvian Government will promote its own best interests, while it will afford a proof of a friendly disposition toward this country, which will be duly appreciated. The treaty between the United States and His Majesty the King of the Hawaiian Islands, which has recently been made public, will, it is believed, have a beneficial effect upon the relations between the two countries. The relations between those parts of the island of St. Domingo which were formerly colonies of Spain and France, respectively, are still in an unsettled condition. The proximity of that island to the United States and the delicate questions involved in the existing controversy there render it desirable that it should be permanently and speedily adjusted. The interests of humanity and of general commerce also demand this; and as intimations of the same sentiment have been received from other governments, it is hoped that some plan may soon be devised to effect the object in a manner likely to give general satisfaction. The Government of the United States will not fail, by the exercise of all proper friendly offices, to do all in its power to put an end to the destructive war which has raged between the different parts of the island and to secure to them both the benefits of peace and commerce. I refer you to the report of the Secretary of the Treasury for a detailed statement of the finances. The total receipts into the Treasury for the year ending 30th of June last were $47,421,748.90. The total expenditures during the same period were $43,002,168.90. The public debt has been reduced since the last annual report from the Treasury Department $495,276.79. By the nineteenth section of the act of 28th January, 1847, the proceeds of the sales of the public lands were pledged for the interest and principal of the public debt. The great amount of those lands subsequently granted by Congress for military bounties will, it is believed, very nearly supply the public demand for several years to come, and but little reliance can, therefore, be placed on that hitherto fruitful source of revenue. Aside from the permanent annual expenditures, which have necessarily largely increased, a portion of the public debt, amounting to $8,075,986.59, must be provided for within the next two fiscal years. It is most desirable that these accruing demands should be met without resorting to new loans. All experience has demonstrated the wisdom and policy of raising a large portion of revenue for the support of Government from duties on goods imported. The power to lay these duties is unquestionable, and its chief object, of course, is to replenish the Treasury. But if in doing this an incidental advantage may be gained by encouraging the industry of our own citizens, it is our duty to avail ourselves of that advantage. A duty laid upon an article which can not be produced in this country, such as tea or coffee, adds to the cost of the article, and is chiefly or wholly paid by the consumer. But a duty laid upon an article which may be produced here stimulates the skill and industry of our own country to produce the same article, which is brought into the market in competition with the foreign article, and the importer is thus compelled to reduce his price to that at which the domestic article can be sold, thereby throwing a part of the duty upon the producer of the foreign article. The continuance of this process creates the skill and invites the capital which finally enable us to produce the article much cheaper than it could have been procured from abroad, thereby benefiting both the producer and the consumer at home. The consequence of this is that the artisan and the agriculturist are brought together, each affords a ready market for the produce of the other, the whole country becomes prosperous, and the ability to produce every necessary of life renders us independent in war as well as in peace. A high tariff can never be permanent. It will because dissatisfaction, and will be changed. It excludes competition, and thereby invites the investment of capital in manufactures to such excess that when changed it brings distress, bankruptcy, and ruin upon all who have been misled by its faithless protection. What the manufacturer wants is uniformity and permanency, that he may feel a confidence that he is not to be ruined by sudden exchanges. But to make a tariff uniform and permanent it is not only necessary that the laws should not be altered, but that the duty should not fluctuate. To effect this all duties should be specific wherever the nature of the article is such as to admit of it. Ad valorem duties fluctuate with the price and offer strong temptations to fraud and perjury. Specific duties, on the contrary, are equal and uniform in all ports and at all times, and offer a strong inducement to the importer to bring the best article, as he pays no more duty upon that than upon one of inferior quality. I therefore strongly recommend a modification of the present tariff, which has prostrated some of our most important and necessary manufactures, and that specific duties be imposed sufficient to raise the requisite revenue, making such discriminations in favor of the industrial pursuits of our own country as to encourage home production without excluding foreign competition. It is also important that an unfortunate provision in the present tariff, which imposes a much higher duty upon the raw material that enters into our manufactures than upon the manufactured article, should be remedied. The papers accompanying the report of the Secretary of the Treasury will disclose frauds attempted upon the revenue, in variety and amount so great as to justify the conclusion that it is impossible under any system of ad valorem duties levied upon the foreign cost or value of the article to secure an honest observance and an effectual administration of the laws. The fraudulent devices to evade the law which have been detected by the vigilance of the appraisers leave no room to doubt that similar impositions not discovered, to a large amount, have been successfully practiced since the enactment of the law now in force. This state of things has already had a prejudicial influence upon those engaged in foreign commerce. It has a tendency to drive the honest trader from the business of importing and to throw that important branch of employment into the hands of unscrupulous and dishonest men, who are alike regardless of law and the obligations of an oath. By these means the plain intentions of Congress, as expressed in the law, are daily defeated. Every motive of policy and duty, therefore, impels me to ask the earnest attention of Congress to this subject. If Congress should deem it unwise to attempt any important changes in the system of levying duties at this session, it will become indispensable to the protection of the revenue that such remedies as in the judgment of Congress may mitigate the evils complained of should be at once applied. As before stated, specific duties would, in my opinion, afford the most perfect remedy for this evil; but if you should not concur in this view, then, as a partial remedy, I beg leave respectfully to recommend that instead of taking the invoice of the article abroad as a means of determining its value here, the correctness of which invoice it is in many cases impossible to verify, the law be so changed as to require a home valuation or appraisal, to be regulated in such manner as to give, as far as practicable, uniformity in the several ports. There being no mint in California, I am informed that the laborers in the mines are compelled to dispose of their gold dust at a large discount. This appears to me to be a heavy and unjust tax upon the labor of those employed in extracting this precious metal, and I doubt not you will be disposed at the earliest period possible to relieve them from it by the establishment of a mint. In the meantime, as an assayer's office is established there, I would respectfully submit for your consideration the propriety of authorizing gold bullion which has been assayed and stamped to be received in payment of Government dues. I can not conceive that the Treasury would suffer any loss by such a provision, which will at once raise bullion to its par value, and thereby save (if I am rightly informed) many millions of dollars to the laborers which are now paid in brokerage to convert this precious metal into available funds. This discount upon their hard earnings is a heavy tax, and every effort should be made by the Government to relieve them from so great a burden. More than three-fourths of our population are engaged in the cultivation of the soil. The commercial, manufacturing, and navigating interests are all to a great extent dependent on the agricultural. It is therefore the most important interest of the nation, and has a just claim to the fostering care and protection of the Government so far as they can be extended consistently with the provisions of the Constitution. As this can not be done by the ordinary modes of legislation, I respectfully recommend the establishment of an agricultural bureau, to be charged with the duty of giving to this leading branch of American industry the encouragement which it so well deserves. In view of the immense mineral resources of our country, provision should also be made for the employment of a competent mineralogist and chemist, who should be required, under the direction of the head of the bureau, to collect specimens of the various minerals of our country and to ascertain by careful analysis their respective elements and properties and their adaptation to useful purposes. He should also be required to examine and report upon the qualities of different soils and the manures best calculated to improve their productiveness. By publishing the results of such experiments, with suitable explanations, and by the collection and distribution of rare seeds and plants, with instructions as to the best system of cultivation, much may be done to promote this great national interest. In compliance with the act of Congress passed on the 23d of May, 1850, providing, among other things, for taking the Seventh Census, a superintendent was appointed and all other measures adopted which were deemed necessary to insure the prompt and faithful performance of that duty. The appropriation already made will, it is believed, be sufficient to defray the whole expense of the work, but further legislation may be necessary in regard to the compensation of some of the marshals of the Territories. It will also be proper to make provision by law at an early day for the publication of such abstracts of the returns as the public interests may require. The unprecedented growth of our territories on the Pacific in wealth and population and the consequent increase of their social and commercial relations with the Atlantic States seem to render it the duty of the Government to use all its constitutional power to improve the means of intercourse with them. The importance of opening "a line of communication, the best and most expeditious of which the nature of the country will admit," between the Valley of the Mississippi and the Pacific was brought to your notice by my predecessor in his annual message; and as the reasons which he presented in favor of the measure still exist in full force, I beg leave to call your attention to them and to repeat the recommendations then made by him. The uncertainty which exists in regard to the validity of land titles in California is a subject which demands your early consideration. Large bodies of land in that State are claimed under grants said to have been made by authority of the Spanish and Mexican Governments. Many of these have not been perfected, others have been revoked, and some are believed to be fraudulent. But until they shall have been judicially investigated they will continue to retard the settlement and improvement of the country. I therefore respectfully recommend that provision be made by law for the appointment of commissioners to examine all such claims with a view to their final adjustment. I also beg leave to call your attention to the propriety of extending at an early day our system of land laws, with such modifications as may be necessary, over the State of California and the Territories of Utah and New Mexico. The mineral lands of California will, of course, form an exception to any general system which may be adopted. Various methods of disposing of them have been suggested. I was at first inclined to favor the system of leasing, as it seemed to promise the largest revenue to the Government and to afford the best security against monopolies; but further reflection and our experience in leasing the lead mines and selling lands upon credit have brought my mind to the conclusion that there would be great difficulty in collecting the rents, and that the relation of debtor and creditor between the citizens and the Government would be attended with many mischievous consequences. I therefore recommend that instead of retaining the mineral lands under the permanent control of the Government they be divided into small parcels and sold, under such restrictions as to quantity and time as will insure the best price and guard most effectually against combinations of capitalists to obtain monopolies. The annexation of Texas and the acquisition of California and New Mexico have given increased importance to our Indian relations. The various tribes brought under our jurisdiction by these enlargements of our boundaries are estimated to embrace a population of 124,000. Texas and New Mexico are surrounded by powerful tribes of Indians, who are a source of constant terror and annoyance to the inhabitants. Separating into small predatory bands, and always mounted, they overrun the country, devastating farms, destroying crops, driving off whole herds of cattle, and occasionally murdering the inhabitants or carrying them into captivity. The great roads leading into the country are infested with them, whereby traveling is rendered extremely dangerous and immigration is almost entirely arrested. The Mexican frontier, which by the eleventh article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo we are bound to protect against the Indians within our border, is exposed to these incursions equally with our own. The military force stationed in that country, although forming a large proportion of the Army, is represented as entirely inadequate to our own protection and the fulfillment of our treaty stipulations with Mexico. The principal deficiency is in cavalry, and I recommend that Congress should, at as early a period as practicable, provide for the raising of one or more regiments of mounted men. For further suggestions on this subject and others connected with our domestic interests and the defense of our frontier, I refer you to the reports of the Secretary of the Interior and of the Secretary of War. I commend also to your favorable consideration the suggestion contained in the last-mentioned report and in the letter of the General in Chief relative to the establishment of an asylum for the relief of disabled and destitute soldiers. This subject appeals so strongly to your sympathies that it would be superfluous in me to say anything more than barely to express my cordial approbation of the proposed object. The Navy continues to give protection to our commerce and other national interests in the different quarters of the globe, and, with the exception of a single steamer on the Northern lakes, the vessels in commission are distributed in six different squadrons. The report of the head of that Department will exhibit the services of these squadrons and of the several vessels employed in each during the past year. It is a source of gratification that, while they have been constantly prepared for any hostile emergency, they have everywhere met with the respect and courtesy due as well to the dignity as to the peaceful dispositions and just purposes of the nation. The two brigantines accepted by the Government from a generous citizen of New York and placed under the command of an officer of the Navy to proceed to the Arctic Seas in quest of the British commander Sir John Franklin and his companions, in compliance with the act of Congress approved in May last, had when last heard from penetrated into a high northern latitude; but the success of this noble and humane enterprise is yet uncertain. I invite your attention to the view of our present naval establishment and resources presented in the report of the Secretary of the Navy, and the suggestions therein made for its improvement, together with the naval policy recommended for the security of our Pacific Coast and the protection and extension of our commerce with eastern Asia. Our facilities for a larger participation in the trade of the East, by means of our recent settlements on the shores of the Pacific, are too obvious to be overlooked or disregarded. The questions in relation to rank in the Army and Navy and relative rank between officers of the two branches of the service, presented to the Executive by certain resolutions of the House of Representatives at the last session of Congress, have been submitted to a board of officers in each branch of the service, and their report may be expected at an early day. I also earnestly recommend the enactment of a law authorizing officers of the Army and Navy to be retired from the service when incompetent for its vigorous and active duties, taking care to make suitable provision for those who have faithfully served their country and awarding distinctions by retaining in appropriate commands those who have been particularly conspicuous for gallantry and good conduct. While the obligation of the country to maintain and honor those who, to the exclusion of other pursuits, have devoted themselves to its arduous service is acknowledged, this obligation should not be permitted to interfere with the efficiency of the service itself. I am gratified in being able to state that the estimates of expenditure for the Navy in the ensuing year are less by more than $1,000,000 than those of the present, excepting the appropriation which may become necessary for the construction of a dock on the coast of the Pacific, propositions for which are now being considered and on which a special report may be expected early in your present session. There is an evident justness in the suggestion of the same report that appropriations for the naval service proper should be separated from those for fixed and permanent objects, such as building docks and navy yards and the fixtures attached, and from the extraordinary objects under the care of the Department which, however important, are not essentially naval. A revision of the code for the government of the Navy seems to require the immediate consideration of Congress. Its system of crimes and punishments had undergone no change for half a century until the last session, though its defects have been often and ably pointed out; and the abolition of a particular species of corporal punishment, which then took place, without providing any substitute, has left the service in a state of defectiveness which calls for prompt correction. I therefore recommend that the whole subject be revised without delay and such a system established for the enforcement of discipline as shall be at once humane and effectual. The accompanying report of the Postmaster-General presents a satisfactory view of the operations and condition of that Department. At the close of the last fiscal year the length of the inland mail routes in the United States (not embracing the service in Oregon and California) was 178,672 miles, the annual transportation thereon 46,541,423 miles, and the annual cost of such transportation $2,724,426. The increase of the annual transportation over that of the preceding year was 3,997,354 miles and the increase in cost was $342,440. The number of post-offices in the United States on the 1st day of July last was 18,417, being an increase of 1,670 during the preceding year. The gross revenues of the Department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1850, amounted to $5,552,971.48, including the annual appropriation of $200,000 for the franked matter of the Departments and excluding the foreign postages collected for and payable to the British Government. The expenditures for the same period were $5,212,953.43, leaving a balance of revenue over expenditures of $340,018.05. I am happy to find that the fiscal condition of the Department is such as to justify the Postmaster-General in recommending the reduction of our inland letter postage to 3 cents the single letter when prepaid and 5 cents when not prepaid. He also recommends that the prepaid rate shall be reduced to 2 cents whenever the revenues of the Department, after the reduction, shall exceed its expenditures by more than 5 per cent for two consecutive years; that the postage upon California and other letters sent by our ocean steamers shall be much reduced, and that the rates of postage on newspapers, pamphlets, periodicals, and other printed matter shall be modified and some reduction thereon made. It can not be doubted that the proposed reductions will for the present diminish the revenues of the Department. It is believed that the deficiency, after the surplus already accumulated shall be exhausted, may be almost wholly met either by abolishing the existing privileges of sending free matter through the mails or by paying out of the Treasury to the Post-Office Department a sum equivalent to the postage of which it is deprived by such privileges. The last is supposed to be the preferable mode, and will, if not entirely, so nearly supply that deficiency as to make any further appropriation that may be found necessary so inconsiderable as to form no obstacle to the proposed reductions. I entertain no doubt of the authority of Congress to make appropriations for leading objects in that class of public works comprising what are usually called works of internal improvement. This authority I suppose to be derived chiefly from the power of regulating commerce with foreign nations and among the States and the power of laying and collecting imposts. Where commerce is to be carried on and imposts collected there must be ports and harbors as well as wharves and custom-houses. If ships laden with valuable cargoes approach the shore or sail along the coast, light-houses are necessary at suitable points for the protection of life and property. Other facilities and securities for commerce and navigation are hardly less important; and those clauses of the Constitution, therefore, to which I have referred have received from the origin of the Government a liberal and beneficial construction. Not only have light-houses, buoys, and beacons been established and floating lights maintained, but harbors have been cleared and improved, piers constructed, and even breakwaters for the safety of shipping and sea walls to protect harbors from being filled up and rendered useless by the action of the ocean, have been erected at very great expense. And this construction of the Constitution appears the more reasonable from the consideration that if these works, of such evident importance and utility, are not to be accomplished by Congress they can not be accomplished at all. By the adoption of the Constitution the several States voluntarily parted with the power of collecting duties of imposts in their own ports, and it is not to be expected that they should raise money by internal taxation, direct or indirect, for the benefit of that commerce the revenues derived from which do not, either in whole or in part, go into their own treasuries. Nor do I perceive any difference between the power of Congress to make appropriations for objects of this kind on the ocean and the power to make appropriations for similar objects on lakes and rivers, wherever they are large enough to bear on their waters an extensive traffic. The magnificent Mississippi and its tributaries and the vast lakes of the North and Northwest appear to me to fall within the exercise of the power as justly and as clearly as the ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It is a mistake to regard expenditures judiciously made for these objects as expenditures for local purposes. The position or sight of the work is necessarily local, but its utility is general. A ship canal around the Falls of St. Mary of less than a mile in length, though local in its construction, would yet be national in its purpose and its benefits, as it would remove the only obstruction to a navigation of more than 1,000 miles, affecting several States, as well as our commercial relations with Canada. So, too, the breakwater at the mouth of the Delaware is erected, not for the exclusive benefit of the States bordering on the bay and river of that name, but for that of the whole coastwise navigation of the United States and, to a considerable extent, also of foreign commerce. If a ship be lost on the bar at the entrance of a Southern port for want of sufficient depth of water, it is very likely to be a Northern ship; and if a steamboat be sunk in any part of the Mississippi on account of its channel not having been properly cleared of obstructions, it may be a boat belonging to either of eight or ten States. I may add, as somewhat remarkable, that among all the thirty-one States there is none that is not to a greater or less extent bounded on the ocean, or the Gulf of Mexico, or one of the Great Lakes, or some navigable river. In fulfilling our constitutional duties, fellow-citizens, on this subject, as in carrying into effect all other powers conferred by the Constitution, we should consider ourselves as deliberating and acting for one and the same country, and bear constantly in mind that our regard and our duty are due not to a particular part only, but to the whole. I therefore recommend that appropriations be made for completing such works as have been already begun and for commencing such others as may seem to the wisdom of Congress to be of public and general importance. The difficulties and delays incident to the settlement of private claims by Congress amount in many cases to a denial of justice. There is reason to apprehend that many unfortunate creditors of the Government have thereby been unavoidably ruined. Congress has so much business of a public character that it is impossible it should give much attention to mere private claims, and their accumulation is now so great that many claimants must despair of ever being able to obtain a hearing. It may well be doubted whether Congress, from the nature of its organization, is properly constituted to decide upon such cases. It is impossible that each member should examine the merits of every claim on which he is compelled to vote, and it is preposterous to ask a judge to decide a case which he has never heard. Such decisions may, and frequently must, do injustice either to the claimant or the Government, and I perceive no better remedy for this growing evil than the establishment of some tribunal to adjudicate upon such claims. I beg leave, therefore, most respectfully to recommend that provision be made by law for the appointment of a commission to settle all private claims against the United States; and as an ex parte hearing must in all contested cases be very unsatisfactory, I also recommend the appointment of a solicitor, whose duty it shall be to represent the Government before such commission and protect it against all illegal, fraudulent, or unjust claims which may be presented for their adjudication. This District, which has neither voice nor vote in your deliberations, looks to you for protection and aid, and I commend all its wants to your favorable consideration, with a full confidence that you will meet them not only with justice, but with liberality. It should be borne in mind that in this city, laid out by Washington and consecrated by his name, is located the Capitol of our nation, the emblem of our Union and the symbol of our greatness. Here also are situated all the public buildings necessary for the use of the Government, and all these are exempt from taxation. It should be the pride of Americans to render this place attractive to the people of the whole Republic and convenient and safe for the transaction of the public business and the preservation of the public records. The Government should therefore bear a liberal proportion of the burdens of all necessary and useful improvements. And as nothing could contribute more to the health, comfort, and safety of the city and the security of the public buildings and records than an abundant supply of pure water, I respectfully recommend that you make such provisions for obtaining the same as in your wisdom you may deem proper. The act, passed at your last session, making certain propositions to Texas for settling the disputed boundary between that State and the Territory of New Mexico was, immediately on its passage, transmitted by express to the governor of Texas, to be laid by him before the general assembly for its agreement thereto. Its receipt was duly acknowledged, but no official information has yet been received of the action of the general assembly thereon. It may, however, be very soon expected, as, by the terms of the propositions submitted they were to have been acted upon on or before the first day of the present month. It was hardly to have been expected that the series of measures passed at your last session with the view of healing the sectional differences which had sprung from the slavery and territorial questions should at once have realized their beneficent purpose. All mutual concession in the nature of a compromise must necessarily be unwelcome to men of extreme opinions. And though without such concessions our Constitution could not have been formed, and can not be permanently sustained, yet we have seen them made the subject of bitter controversy in both sections of the Republic. It required many months of discussion and deliberation to secure the concurrence of a majority of Congress in their favor. It would be strange if they had been received with immediate approbation by people and States prejudiced and heated by the exciting controversies of their representatives. I believe those measures to have been required by the circumstances and condition of the country. I believe they were necessary to allay asperities and animosities that were rapidly alienating one section of the country from another and destroying those fraternal sentiments which are the strongest supports of the Constitution. They were adopted in the spirit of conciliation and for the purpose of conciliation. I believe that a great majority of our fellow citizens sympathize in that spirit and that purpose, and in the main approve and are prepared in all respects to sustain these enactments. I can not doubt that the American people, bound together by kindred blood and common traditions, still cherish a paramount regard for the Union of their fathers, and that they are ready to rebuke any attempt to violate its integrity, to disturb the compromises on which it is based, or to resist the laws which have been enacted under its authority. The series of measures to which I have alluded are regarded by me as a settlement in principle and substance--a final settlement of the dangerous and exciting subjects which they embraced. Most of these subjects, indeed, are beyond your reach, as the legislation which disposed of them was in its character final and irrevocable. It may be presumed from the opposition which they all encountered that none of those measures was free from imperfections, but in their mutual dependence and connection they formed a system of compromise the most conciliatory and best for the entire country that could be obtained from conflicting sectional interests and opinions. For this reason I recommend your adherence to the adjustment established by those measures until time and experience shall demonstrate the necessity of further legislation to guard against evasion or abuse. By that adjustment we have been rescued from the wide and boundless agitation that surrounded us, and have a firm, distinct, and legal ground to rest upon. And the occasion, I trust, will justify me in exhorting my countrymen to rally upon and maintain that ground as the best, if not the only, means of restoring peace and quiet to the country and maintaining inviolate the integrity of the Union. And now, fellow-citizens, I can not bring this communication to a close without invoking you to join me in humble and devout thanks to the Great Ruler of Nations for the multiplied blessings which He has graciously bestowed upon us. His hand, so often visible in our preservation, has stayed the pestilence, saved us from foreign wars and domestic disturbances, and scattered plenty throughout the land. Our liberties, religions and civil, have been maintained, the fountains of knowledge have all been kept open, and means of happiness widely spread and generally enjoyed greater than have fallen to the lot of any other nation. And while deeply penetrated with gratitude for the past, let us hope that His all-wise providence will so guide our counsels as that they shall result in giving satisfaction to our constituents, securing the peace of the country, and adding new strength to the united Government under which we live.
being suddenly called in the midst of the last session of congress by a painful dispensation of divine providence to the responsible station which i now hold i contented myself with such communications to the legislature as the exigency of the moment seemed to require the country was shrouded in mourning for the loss of its venerable chief magistrate and all hearts were penetrated with grief neither the time nor the occasion appeared to require or to justify on my part any general expression of political opinions or any announcement of the principles which would govern me in the discharge of the duties to the performance of which i had been so unexpectedly called i trust therefore that it may not be deemed inappropriate if i avail myself of this opportunity of the reassembling of congress to make known my sentiments in a general manner in regard to the policy which ought to be pursued by the government both in its intercourse with foreign nations and its management and administration of internal affairs nations like individuals in a state of nature are equal and independent possessing certain rights and owing certain duties to each other arising from their necessary and unavoidable relations which rights and duties there is no common human authority to protect and enforce still they are rights and duties binding in morals in conscience and in honor although there is no tribunal to which an injured party can appeal but the disinterested judgment of mankind and ultimately the arbitrament of the sword among the acknowledged rights of nations is that which each possesses of establishing that form of government which it may deem most conducive to the happiness and prosperity of its own citizens of changing that form as circumstances may require and of managing its internal affairs according to its own will the people of the united states claim this right for themselves and they readily concede it to others hence it becomes an imperative duty not to interfere in the government or internal policy of other nations and although we may sympathize with the unfortunate or the oppressed everywhere in their struggles for freedom our principles forbid us from taking any part in such foreign contests we make no wars to promote or to prevent successions to thrones to maintain any theory of a balance of power or to suppress the actual government which any country chooses to establish for itself we instigate no revolutions nor suffer any hostile military expeditions to be fitted out in the united states to invade the territory or provinces of a friendly nation the great law of morality ought to have a national as well as a personal and individual application we should act toward other nations as we wish them to act toward us and justice and conscience should form the rule of conduct between governments instead of mere power self interest or the desire of aggrandizement to maintain a strict neutrality in foreign wars to cultivate friendly relations to reciprocate every noble and generous act and to perform punctually and scrupulously every treaty obligation these are the duties which we owe to other states and by the performance of which we best entitle ourselves to like treatment from them or if that in any case be refused we can enforce our own rights with justice and a clear conscience in our domestic policy the constitution will be my guide and in questions of doubt i shall look for its interpretation to the judicial decisions of that tribunal which was established to expound it and to the usage of the government sanctioned by the acquiescence of the country i regard all its provisions as equally binding in all its parts it is the will of the people expressed in the most solemn form and the constituted authorities are but agents to carry that will into effect every power which it has granted is to be exercised for the public good but no pretense of utility no honest conviction even of what might be expedient can justify the assumption of any power not granted the powers conferred upon the government and their distribution to the several departments are as clearly expressed in that sacred instrument as the imperfection of human language will allow and i deem it my first duty not to question its wisdom add to its provisions evade its requirements or nullify its commands upon you as the representatives of the states and the people is wisely devolved the legislative power i shall comply with my duty in laying before you from time to time any information calculated to enable you to discharge your high and responsible trust for the benefit of our common constituents my opinions will be frankly expressed upon the leading subjects of legislation and if which i do not anticipate any act should pass the two houses of congress which should appear to me unconstitutional or an encroachment on the just powers of other departments or with provisions hastily adopted and likely to produce consequences injurious and unforeseen i should not shrink from the duty of returning it to you with my reasons for your further consideration beyond the due performance of these constitutional obligations both my respect for the legislature and my sense of propriety will restrain me from any attempt to control or influence your proceedings with you is the power the honor and the responsibility of the legislation of the country the government of the united states is a limited government it is confined to the exercise of powers expressly granted and such others as may be necessary for carrying those powers into effect and it is at all times an especial duty to guard against any infringement on the just rights of the states over the objects and subjects intrusted to congress its legislative authority is supreme but here that authority ceases and every citizen who truly loves the constitution and desires the continuance of its existence and its blessings will resolutely and firmly resist any interference in those domestic affairs which the constitution has dearly and unequivocally left to the exclusive authority of the states and every such citizen will also deprecate useless irritation among the several members of the union and all reproach and crimination tending to alienate one portion of the country from another the beauty of our system of government consists and its safety and durability must consist in avoiding mutual collisions and encroachments and in the regular separate action of all while each is revolving in its own distinct orbit the constitution has made it the duty of the president to take care that the laws be faithfully executed in a government like ours in which all laws are passed by a majority of the representatives of the people and these representatives are chosen for such short periods that any injurious or obnoxious law can very soon be repealed it would appear unlikely that any great numbers should be found ready to resist the execution of the laws but it must be borne in mind that the country is extensive that there may be local interests or prejudices rendering a law odious in one part which is not so in another and that the thoughtless and inconsiderate misled by their passions or their imaginations may be induced madly to resist such laws as they disapprove such persons should recollect that without law there can be no real practical liberty that when law is trampled under foot tyranny rules whether it appears in the form of a military despotism or of popular violence the law is the only sure protection of the weak and the only efficient restraint upon the strong when impartially and faithfully administered none is beneath its protection and none above its control you gentlemen and the country may be assured that to the utmost of my ability and to the extent of the power vested in me i shall at all times and in all places take care that the laws be faithfully executed in the discharge of this duty solemnly imposed upon me by the constitution and by my oath of office i shall shrink from no responsibility and shall endeavor to meet events as they may arise with firmness as well as with prudence and discretion the appointing power is one of the most delicate with which the executive is invested i regard it as a sacred trust to be exercised with the sole view of advancing the prosperity and happiness of the people it shall be my effort to elevate the standard of official employment by selecting for places of importance individuals fitted for the posts to which they are assigned by their known integrity talents and virtues in so extensive a country with so great a population and where few persons appointed to office can be known to the appointing power mistakes will sometimes unavoidably happen and unfortunate appointments be made notwithstanding the greatest care in such cases the power of removal may be properly exercised and neglect of duty or malfeasance in office will be no more tolerated in individuals appointed by myself than in those appointed by others i am happy in being able to say that no unfavorable change in our foreign relations has taken place since the message at the opening of the last session of congress we are at peace with all nations and we enjoy in an eminent degree the blessings of that peace in a prosperous and growing commerce and in all the forms of amicable national intercourse the unexampled growth of the country the present amount of its population and its ample means of assure for it the respect of all nations while it is trusted that its character for justice and a regard to the rights of other states will because that respect to be readily and cheerfully paid a convention was negotiated between the united states and great britain in april last for facilitating and protecting the construction of a ship canal between the atlantic and pacific oceans and for other purposes the instrument has since been ratified by the contracting parties the exchange of ratifications has been effected and proclamation thereof has been duly made in addition to the stipulations contained in this convention two other objects remain to be accomplished between the contracting powers first the designation and establishment of a free port at each end of the canal second an agreement fixing the distance from the shore within which belligerent maritime operations shall not be carried on on these points there is little doubt that the two governments will come to an understanding the company of citizens of the united states who have acquired from the state of nicaragua the privilege of constructing a ship canal between the two oceans through the territory of that state have made progress in their preliminary arrangements the treaty between the united states and great britain of the 19th of april last above referred to being now in operation it is to be hoped that the guaranties which it offers will be sufficient to secure the completion of the work with all practicable expedition it is obvious that this result would be indefinitely postponed if any other than peaceful measures for the purpose of harmonizing conflicting claims to territory in that quarter should be adopted it will consequently be my endeavor to because any further negotiations on the part of this government which may be requisite for this purpose to be so conducted as to bring them to a speedy and successful close some unavoidable delay has occurred arising from distance and the difficulty of intercourse between this government and that of nicaragua but as intelligence has just been received of the appointment of an envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of that government to reside at washington whose arrival may soon be expected it is hoped that no further impediments will be experienced in the prompt transaction of business between the two governments citizens of the united states have undertaken the connection of the two oceans by means of a railroad across the isthmus of tehuantepec under grants of the mexican government to a citizen of that republic it is understood that a thorough survey of the course of the communication is in preparation and there is every reason to expect that it will be prosecuted with characteristic energy especially when that government shall have consented to such stipulations with the government of the united states as may be necessary to impart a feeling of security to those who may embark their property in the enterprise negotiations are pending for the accomplishment of that object and a hope is confidently entertained that when the government of mexico shall become duly sensible of the advantages which that country can not fail to derive from the work and learn that the government of the united states desires that the right of sovereignty of mexico in the isthmus shall remain unimpaired the stipulations referred to will be agreed to with alacrity by the last advices from mexico it would appear however that that government entertains strong objections to some of the stipulations which the parties concerned in the project of the railroad deem necessary for their protection and security further consideration it is to be hoped or some modification of terms may yet reconcile the differences existing between the two governments in this respect fresh instructions have recently been given to the minister of the united states in mexico who is prosecuting the subject with promptitude and ability although the negotiations with portugal for the payment of claims of citizens of the united states against that government have not yet resulted in a formal treaty yet a proposition made by the government of portugal for the final adjustment and payment of those claims has recently been accepted on the part of the united states it gives me pleasure to say that clay to whom the negotiation on the part of the united states had been intrusted discharged the duties of his appointment with ability and discretion acting always within the instructions of his government it is expected that a regular convention will be immediately negotiated for carrying the agreement between the two governments into effect the commissioner appointed under the act of congress for carrying into effect the convention with brazil of the 27th of january 1849 has entered upon the performance of the duties imposed upon him by that act it is hoped that those duties may be completed within the time which it prescribes the documents however which the imperial government by the third article of the convention stipulates to furnish to the government of the united states have not yet been received as it is presumed that those documents will be essential for the correct disposition of the claims it may become necessary for congress to extend the period limited for the duration of the commission the sum stipulated by the fourth article of the convention to be paid to this government has been received the collection in the ports of the united states of discriminating duties upon the vessels of chili and their cargoes has been suspended pursuant to the provisions of the act of congress of the 24th of may 1828 it is to be hoped that this measure will impart a fresh impulse to the commerce between the two countries which of late and especially since our acquisition of california has to the mutual advantage of the parties been much augmented peruvian guano has become so desirable an article to the agricultural interest of the united states that it is the duty of the government to employ all the means properly in its power for the purpose of causing that article to be imported into the country at a reasonable price nothing will be omitted on my part toward accomplishing this desirable end i am persuaded that in removing any restraints on this traffic the peruvian government will promote its own best interests while it will afford a proof of a friendly disposition toward this country which will be duly appreciated the treaty between the united states and his majesty the king of the hawaiian islands which has recently been made public will it is believed have a beneficial effect upon the relations between the two countries the relations between those parts of the island of domingo which were formerly colonies of spain and france respectively are still in an unsettled condition the proximity of that island to the united states and the delicate questions involved in the existing controversy there render it desirable that it should be permanently and speedily adjusted the interests of humanity and of general commerce also demand this and as intimations of the same sentiment have been received from other governments it is hoped that some plan may soon be devised to effect the object in a manner likely to give general satisfaction the government of the united states will not fail by the exercise of all proper friendly offices to do all in its power to put an end to the destructive war which has raged between the different parts of the island and to secure to them both the benefits of peace and commerce i refer you to the report of the secretary of the treasury for a detailed statement of the finances the total receipts into the treasury for the year ending 30th of june last were the total expenditures during the same period were the public debt has been reduced since the last annual report from the treasury department by the nineteenth section of the act of 28th january 1847 the proceeds of the sales of the public lands were pledged for the interest and principal of the public debt the great amount of those lands subsequently granted by congress for military bounties will it is believed very nearly supply the public demand for several years to come and but little reliance can therefore be placed on that hitherto fruitful source of revenue aside from the permanent annual expenditures which have necessarily largely increased a portion of the public debt amounting to must be provided for within the next two fiscal years it is most desirable that these accruing demands should be met without resorting to new loans all experience has demonstrated the wisdom and policy of raising a large portion of revenue for the support of government from duties on goods imported the power to lay these duties is unquestionable and its chief object of course is to replenish the treasury but if in doing this an incidental advantage may be gained by encouraging the industry of our own citizens it is our duty to avail ourselves of that advantage a duty laid upon an article which can not be produced in this country such as tea or coffee adds to the cost of the article and is chiefly or wholly paid by the consumer but a duty laid upon an article which may be produced here stimulates the skill and industry of our own country to produce the same article which is brought into the market in competition with the foreign article and the importer is thus compelled to reduce his price to that at which the domestic article can be sold thereby throwing a part of the duty upon the producer of the foreign article the continuance of this process creates the skill and invites the capital which finally enable us to produce the article much cheaper than it could have been procured from abroad thereby benefiting both the producer and the consumer at home the consequence of this is that the artisan and the agriculturist are brought together each affords a ready market for the produce of the other the whole country becomes prosperous and the ability to produce every necessary of life renders us independent in war as well as in peace a high tariff can never be permanent it will because dissatisfaction and will be changed it excludes competition and thereby invites the investment of capital in manufactures to such excess that when changed it brings distress bankruptcy and ruin upon all who have been misled by its faithless protection what the manufacturer wants is uniformity and permanency that he may feel a confidence that he is not to be ruined by sudden exchanges but to make a tariff uniform and permanent it is not only necessary that the laws should not be altered but that the duty should not fluctuate to effect this all duties should be specific wherever the nature of the article is such as to admit of it ad valorem duties fluctuate with the price and offer strong temptations to fraud and perjury specific duties on the contrary are equal and uniform in all ports and at all times and offer a strong inducement to the importer to bring the best article as he pays no more duty upon that than upon one of inferior quality i therefore strongly recommend a modification of the present tariff which has prostrated some of our most important and necessary manufactures and that specific duties be imposed sufficient to raise the requisite revenue making such discriminations in favor of the industrial pursuits of our own country as to encourage home production without excluding foreign competition it is also important that an unfortunate provision in the present tariff which imposes a much higher duty upon the raw material that enters into our manufactures than upon the manufactured article should be remedied the papers accompanying the report of the secretary of the treasury will disclose frauds attempted upon the revenue in variety and amount so great as to justify the conclusion that it is impossible under any system of ad valorem duties levied upon the foreign cost or value of the article to secure an honest observance and an effectual administration of the laws the fraudulent devices to evade the law which have been detected by the vigilance of the appraisers leave no room to doubt that similar impositions not discovered to a large amount have been successfully practiced since the enactment of the law now in force this state of things has already had a prejudicial influence upon those engaged in foreign commerce it has a tendency to drive the honest trader from the business of importing and to throw that important branch of employment into the hands of unscrupulous and dishonest men who are alike regardless of law and the obligations of an oath by these means the plain intentions of congress as expressed in the law are daily defeated every motive of policy and duty therefore impels me to ask the earnest attention of congress to this subject if congress should deem it unwise to attempt any important changes in the system of levying duties at this session it will become indispensable to the protection of the revenue that such remedies as in the judgment of congress may mitigate the evils complained of should be at once applied as before stated specific duties would in my opinion afford the most perfect remedy for this evil but if you should not concur in this view then as a partial remedy i beg leave respectfully to recommend that instead of taking the invoice of the article abroad as a means of determining its value here the correctness of which invoice it is in many cases impossible to verify the law be so changed as to require a home valuation or appraisal to be regulated in such manner as to give as far as practicable uniformity in the several ports there being no mint in california i am informed that the laborers in the mines are compelled to dispose of their gold dust at a large discount this appears to me to be a heavy and unjust tax upon the labor of those employed in extracting this precious metal and i doubt not you will be disposed at the earliest period possible to relieve them from it by the establishment of a mint in the meantime as an assayer office is established there i would respectfully submit for your consideration the propriety of authorizing gold bullion which has been assayed and stamped to be received in payment of government dues i can not conceive that the treasury would suffer any loss by such a provision which will at once raise bullion to its par value and thereby save if i am rightly informed many millions of dollars to the laborers which are now paid in brokerage to convert this precious metal into available funds this discount upon their hard earnings is a heavy tax and every effort should be made by the government to relieve them from so great a burden more than of our population are engaged in the cultivation of the soil the commercial manufacturing and navigating interests are all to a great extent dependent on the agricultural it is therefore the most important interest of the nation and has a just claim to the fostering care and protection of the government so far as they can be extended consistently with the provisions of the constitution as this can not be done by the ordinary modes of legislation i respectfully recommend the establishment of an agricultural bureau to be charged with the duty of giving to this leading branch of american industry the encouragement which it so well deserves in view of the immense mineral resources of our country provision should also be made for the employment of a competent mineralogist and chemist who should be required under the direction of the head of the bureau to collect specimens of the various minerals of our country and to ascertain by careful analysis their respective elements and properties and their adaptation to useful purposes he should also be required to examine and report upon the qualities of different soils and the manures best calculated to improve their productiveness by publishing the results of such experiments with suitable explanations and by the collection and distribution of rare seeds and plants with instructions as to the best system of cultivation much may be done to promote this great national interest in compliance with the act of congress passed on the 23d of may 1850 providing among other things for taking the seventh census a superintendent was appointed and all other measures adopted which were deemed necessary to insure the prompt and faithful performance of that duty the appropriation already made will it is believed be sufficient to defray the whole expense of the work but further legislation may be necessary in regard to the compensation of some of the marshals of the territories it will also be proper to make provision by law at an early day for the publication of such abstracts of the returns as the public interests may require the unprecedented growth of our territories on the pacific in wealth and population and the consequent increase of their social and commercial relations with the atlantic states seem to render it the duty of the government to use all its constitutional power to improve the means of intercourse with them the importance of opening a line of communication the best and most expeditious of which the nature of the country will admit between the valley of the mississippi and the pacific was brought to your notice by my predecessor in his annual message and as the reasons which he presented in favor of the measure still exist in full force i beg leave to call your attention to them and to repeat the recommendations then made by him the uncertainty which exists in regard to the validity of land titles in california is a subject which demands your early consideration large bodies of land in that state are claimed under grants said to have been made by authority of the spanish and mexican governments many of these have not been perfected others have been revoked and some are believed to be fraudulent but until they shall have been judicially investigated they will continue to retard the settlement and improvement of the country i therefore respectfully recommend that provision be made by law for the appointment of commissioners to examine all such claims with a view to their final adjustment i also beg leave to call your attention to the propriety of extending at an early day our system of land laws with such modifications as may be necessary over the state of california and the territories of utah and new mexico the mineral lands of california will of course form an exception to any general system which may be adopted various methods of disposing of them have been suggested i was at first inclined to favor the system of leasing as it seemed to promise the largest revenue to the government and to afford the best security against monopolies but further reflection and our experience in leasing the lead mines and selling lands upon credit have brought my mind to the conclusion that there would be great difficulty in collecting the rents and that the relation of debtor and creditor between the citizens and the government would be attended with many mischievous consequences i therefore recommend that instead of retaining the mineral lands under the permanent control of the government they be divided into small parcels and sold under such restrictions as to quantity and time as will insure the best price and guard most effectually against combinations of capitalists to obtain monopolies the annexation of texas and the acquisition of california and new mexico have given increased importance to our indian relations the various tribes brought under our jurisdiction by these enlargements of our boundaries are estimated to embrace a population of texas and new mexico are surrounded by powerful tribes of indians who are a source of constant terror and annoyance to the inhabitants separating into small predatory bands and always mounted they overrun the country devastating farms destroying crops driving off whole herds of cattle and occasionally murdering the inhabitants or carrying them into captivity the great roads leading into the country are infested with them whereby traveling is rendered extremely dangerous and immigration is almost entirely arrested the mexican frontier which by the eleventh article of the treaty of guadalupe hidalgo we are bound to protect against the indians within our border is exposed to these incursions equally with our own the military force stationed in that country although forming a large proportion of the army is represented as entirely inadequate to our own protection and the fulfillment of our treaty stipulations with mexico the principal deficiency is in cavalry and i recommend that congress should at as early a period as practicable provide for the raising of one or more regiments of mounted men for further suggestions on this subject and others connected with our domestic interests and the defense of our frontier i refer you to the reports of the secretary of the interior and of the secretary of war i commend also to your favorable consideration the suggestion contained in the report and in the letter of the general in chief relative to the establishment of an asylum for the relief of disabled and destitute soldiers this subject appeals so strongly to your sympathies that it would be superfluous in me to say anything more than barely to express my cordial approbation of the proposed object the navy continues to give protection to our commerce and other national interests in the different quarters of the globe and with the exception of a single steamer on the northern lakes the vessels in commission are distributed in six different squadrons the report of the head of that department will exhibit the services of these squadrons and of the several vessels employed in each during the past year it is a source of gratification that while they have been constantly prepared for any hostile emergency they have everywhere met with the respect and courtesy due as well to the dignity as to the peaceful dispositions and just purposes of the nation the two brigantines accepted by the government from a generous citizen of new york and placed under the command of an officer of the navy to proceed to the arctic seas in quest of the british commander sir john franklin and his companions in compliance with the act of congress approved in may last had when last heard from penetrated into a high northern latitude but the success of this noble and humane enterprise is yet uncertain i invite your attention to the view of our present naval establishment and resources presented in the report of the secretary of the navy and the suggestions therein made for its improvement together with the naval policy recommended for the security of our pacific coast and the protection and extension of our commerce with eastern asia our facilities for a larger participation in the trade of the east by means of our recent settlements on the shores of the pacific are too obvious to be overlooked or disregarded the questions in relation to rank in the army and navy and relative rank between officers of the two branches of the service presented to the executive by certain resolutions of the house of representatives at the last session of congress have been submitted to a board of officers in each branch of the service and their report may be expected at an early day i also earnestly recommend the enactment of a law authorizing officers of the army and navy to be retired from the service when incompetent for its vigorous and active duties taking care to make suitable provision for those who have faithfully served their country and awarding distinctions by retaining in appropriate commands those who have been particularly conspicuous for gallantry and good conduct while the obligation of the country to maintain and honor those who to the exclusion of other pursuits have devoted themselves to its arduous service is acknowledged this obligation should not be permitted to interfere with the efficiency of the service itself i am gratified in being able to state that the estimates of expenditure for the navy in the ensuing year are less by more than than those of the present excepting the appropriation which may become necessary for the construction of a dock on the coast of the pacific propositions for which are now being considered and on which a special report may be expected early in your present session there is an evident justness in the suggestion of the same report that appropriations for the naval service proper should be separated from those for fixed and permanent objects such as building docks and navy yards and the fixtures attached and from the extraordinary objects under the care of the department which however important are not essentially naval a revision of the code for the government of the navy seems to require the immediate consideration of congress its system of crimes and punishments had undergone no change for half a century until the last session though its defects have been often and ably pointed out and the abolition of a particular species of corporal punishment which then took place without providing any substitute has left the service in a state of defectiveness which calls for prompt correction i therefore recommend that the whole subject be revised without delay and such a system established for the enforcement of discipline as shall be at once humane and effectual the accompanying report of the presents a satisfactory view of the operations and condition of that department at the close of the last fiscal year the length of the inland mail routes in the united states not embracing the service in oregon and california was miles the annual transportation thereon miles and the annual cost of such transportation the increase of the annual transportation over that of the preceding year was miles and the increase in cost was the number of in the united states on the 1st day of july last was being an increase of during the preceding year the gross revenues of the department for the fiscal year ending june 30 1850 amounted to including the annual appropriation of for the franked matter of the departments and excluding the foreign postages collected for and payable to the british government the expenditures for the same period were leaving a balance of revenue over expenditures of i am happy to find that the fiscal condition of the department is such as to justify the in recommending the reduction of our inland letter postage to 3 cents the single letter when prepaid and 5 cents when not prepaid he also recommends that the prepaid rate shall be reduced to 2 cents whenever the revenues of the department after the reduction shall exceed its expenditures by more than 5 per cent for two consecutive years that the postage upon california and other letters sent by our ocean steamers shall be much reduced and that the rates of postage on newspapers pamphlets periodicals and other printed matter shall be modified and some reduction thereon made it can not be doubted that the proposed reductions will for the present diminish the revenues of the department it is believed that the deficiency after the surplus already accumulated shall be exhausted may be almost wholly met either by abolishing the existing privileges of sending free matter through the mails or by paying out of the treasury to the department a sum equivalent to the postage of which it is deprived by such privileges the last is supposed to be the preferable mode and will if not entirely so nearly supply that deficiency as to make any further appropriation that may be found necessary so inconsiderable as to form no obstacle to the proposed reductions i entertain no doubt of the authority of congress to make appropriations for leading objects in that class of public works comprising what are usually called works of internal improvement this authority i suppose to be derived chiefly from the power of regulating commerce with foreign nations and among the states and the power of laying and collecting imposts where commerce is to be carried on and imposts collected there must be ports and harbors as well as wharves and if ships laden with valuable cargoes approach the shore or sail along the coast are necessary at suitable points for the protection of life and property other facilities and securities for commerce and navigation are hardly less important and those clauses of the constitution therefore to which i have referred have received from the origin of the government a liberal and beneficial construction not only have buoys and beacons been established and floating lights maintained but harbors have been cleared and improved piers constructed and even breakwaters for the safety of shipping and sea walls to protect harbors from being filled up and rendered useless by the action of the ocean have been erected at very great expense and this construction of the constitution appears the more reasonable from the consideration that if these works of such evident importance and utility are not to be accomplished by congress they can not be accomplished at all by the adoption of the constitution the several states voluntarily parted with the power of collecting duties of imposts in their own ports and it is not to be expected that they should raise money by internal taxation direct or indirect for the benefit of that commerce the revenues derived from which do not either in whole or in part go into their own treasuries nor do i perceive any difference between the power of congress to make appropriations for objects of this kind on the ocean and the power to make appropriations for similar objects on lakes and rivers wherever they are large enough to bear on their waters an extensive traffic the magnificent mississippi and its tributaries and the vast lakes of the north and northwest appear to me to fall within the exercise of the power as justly and as clearly as the ocean and the gulf of mexico it is a mistake to regard expenditures judiciously made for these objects as expenditures for local purposes the position or sight of the work is necessarily local but its utility is general a ship canal around the falls of mary of less than a mile in length though local in its construction would yet be national in its purpose and its benefits as it would remove the only obstruction to a navigation of more than miles affecting several states as well as our commercial relations with canada so too the breakwater at the mouth of the delaware is erected not for the exclusive benefit of the states bordering on the bay and river of that name but for that of the whole coastwise navigation of the united states and to a considerable extent also of foreign commerce if a ship be lost on the bar at the entrance of a southern port for want of sufficient depth of water it is very likely to be a northern ship and if a steamboat be sunk in any part of the mississippi on account of its channel not having been properly cleared of obstructions it may be a boat belonging to either of eight or ten states i may add as somewhat remarkable that among all the states there is none that is not to a greater or less extent bounded on the ocean or the gulf of mexico or one of the great lakes or some navigable river in fulfilling our constitutional duties on this subject as in carrying into effect all other powers conferred by the constitution we should consider ourselves as deliberating and acting for one and the same country and bear constantly in mind that our regard and our duty are due not to a particular part only but to the whole i therefore recommend that appropriations be made for completing such works as have been already begun and for commencing such others as may seem to the wisdom of congress to be of public and general importance the difficulties and delays incident to the settlement of private claims by congress amount in many cases to a denial of justice there is reason to apprehend that many unfortunate creditors of the government have thereby been unavoidably ruined congress has so much business of a public character that it is impossible it should give much attention to mere private claims and their accumulation is now so great that many claimants must despair of ever being able to obtain a hearing it may well be doubted whether congress from the nature of its organization is properly constituted to decide upon such cases it is impossible that each member should examine the merits of every claim on which he is compelled to vote and it is preposterous to ask a judge to decide a case which he has never heard such decisions may and frequently must do injustice either to the claimant or the government and i perceive no better remedy for this growing evil than the establishment of some tribunal to adjudicate upon such claims i beg leave therefore most respectfully to recommend that provision be made by law for the appointment of a commission to settle all private claims against the united states and as an ex parte hearing must in all contested cases be very unsatisfactory i also recommend the appointment of a solicitor whose duty it shall be to represent the government before such commission and protect it against all illegal fraudulent or unjust claims which may be presented for their adjudication this district which has neither voice nor vote in your deliberations looks to you for protection and aid and i commend all its wants to your favorable consideration with a full confidence that you will meet them not only with justice but with liberality it should be borne in mind that in this city laid out by washington and consecrated by his name is located the capitol of our nation the emblem of our union and the symbol of our greatness here also are situated all the public buildings necessary for the use of the government and all these are exempt from taxation it should be the pride of americans to render this place attractive to the people of the whole republic and convenient and safe for the transaction of the public business and the preservation of the public records the government should therefore bear a liberal proportion of the burdens of all necessary and useful improvements and as nothing could contribute more to the health comfort and safety of the city and the security of the public buildings and records than an abundant supply of pure water i respectfully recommend that you make such provisions for obtaining the same as in your wisdom you may deem proper the act passed at your last session making certain propositions to texas for settling the disputed boundary between that state and the territory of new mexico was immediately on its passage transmitted by express to the governor of texas to be laid by him before the general assembly for its agreement thereto its receipt was duly acknowledged but no official information has yet been received of the action of the general assembly thereon it may however be very soon expected as by the terms of the propositions submitted they were to have been acted upon on or before the first day of the present month it was hardly to have been expected that the series of measures passed at your last session with the view of healing the sectional differences which had sprung from the slavery and territorial questions should at once have realized their beneficent purpose all mutual concession in the nature of a compromise must necessarily be unwelcome to men of extreme opinions and though without such concessions our constitution could not have been formed and can not be permanently sustained yet we have seen them made the subject of bitter controversy in both sections of the republic it required many months of discussion and deliberation to secure the concurrence of a majority of congress in their favor it would be strange if they had been received with immediate approbation by people and states prejudiced and heated by the exciting controversies of their representatives i believe those measures to have been required by the circumstances and condition of the country i believe they were necessary to allay asperities and animosities that were rapidly alienating one section of the country from another and destroying those fraternal sentiments which are the strongest supports of the constitution they were adopted in the spirit of conciliation and for the purpose of conciliation i believe that a great majority of our fellow citizens sympathize in that spirit and that purpose and in the main approve and are prepared in all respects to sustain these enactments i can not doubt that the american people bound together by kindred blood and common traditions still cherish a paramount regard for the union of their fathers and that they are ready to rebuke any attempt to violate its integrity to disturb the compromises on which it is based or to resist the laws which have been enacted under its authority the series of measures to which i have alluded are regarded by me as a settlement in principle and substance a final settlement of the dangerous and exciting subjects which they embraced most of these subjects indeed are beyond your reach as the legislation which disposed of them was in its character final and irrevocable it may be presumed from the opposition which they all encountered that none of those measures was free from imperfections but in their mutual dependence and connection they formed a system of compromise the most conciliatory and best for the entire country that could be obtained from conflicting sectional interests and opinions for this reason i recommend your adherence to the adjustment established by those measures until time and experience shall demonstrate the necessity of further legislation to guard against evasion or abuse by that adjustment we have been rescued from the wide and boundless agitation that surrounded us and have a firm distinct and legal ground to rest upon and the occasion i trust will justify me in exhorting my countrymen to rally upon and maintain that ground as the best if not the only means of restoring peace and quiet to the country and maintaining inviolate the integrity of the union and now i can not bring this communication to a close without invoking you to join me in humble and devout thanks to the great ruler of nations for the multiplied blessings which he has graciously bestowed upon us his hand so often visible in our preservation has stayed the pestilence saved us from foreign wars and domestic disturbances and scattered plenty throughout the land our liberties religions and civil have been maintained the fountains of knowledge have all been kept open and means of happiness widely spread and generally enjoyed greater than have fallen to the lot of any other nation and while deeply penetrated with gratitude for the past let us hope that his providence will so guide our counsels as that they shall result in giving satisfaction to our constituents securing the peace of the country and adding new strength to the united government under which we live
suddenly called midst last session congress painful dispensation divine providence responsible station hold contented communications legislature exigency moment seemed require country shrouded mourning loss venerable chief magistrate hearts penetrated grief neither time occasion appeared require justify part general expression political opinions announcement principles would govern discharge duties performance unexpectedly called trust therefore may deemed inappropriate avail opportunity reassembling congress make known sentiments general manner regard policy ought pursued government intercourse foreign nations management administration internal affairs nations like individuals state nature equal independent possessing certain rights owing certain duties arising necessary unavoidable relations rights duties common human authority protect enforce still rights duties binding morals conscience honor although tribunal injured party appeal disinterested judgment mankind ultimately arbitrament sword among acknowledged rights nations possesses establishing form government may deem conducive happiness prosperity citizens changing form circumstances may require managing internal affairs according people united states claim right readily concede others hence becomes imperative duty interfere government internal policy nations although may sympathize unfortunate oppressed everywhere struggles freedom principles forbid us taking part foreign contests make wars promote prevent successions thrones maintain theory balance power suppress actual government country chooses establish instigate revolutions suffer hostile military expeditions fitted united states invade territory provinces friendly nation great law morality ought national well personal individual application act toward nations wish act toward us justice conscience form rule conduct governments instead mere power self interest desire aggrandizement maintain strict neutrality foreign wars cultivate friendly relations reciprocate every noble generous act perform punctually scrupulously every treaty obligation duties owe states performance best entitle like treatment case refused enforce rights justice clear conscience domestic policy constitution guide questions doubt shall look interpretation judicial decisions tribunal established expound usage government sanctioned acquiescence country regard provisions equally binding parts people expressed solemn form constituted authorities agents carry effect every power granted exercised public good pretense utility honest conviction even might expedient justify assumption power granted powers conferred upon government distribution several departments clearly expressed sacred instrument imperfection human language allow deem first duty question wisdom add provisions evade requirements nullify commands upon representatives states people wisely devolved legislative power shall comply duty laying time time information calculated enable discharge high responsible trust benefit common constituents opinions frankly expressed upon leading subjects legislation anticipate act pass two houses congress appear unconstitutional encroachment powers departments provisions hastily adopted likely produce consequences injurious unforeseen shrink duty returning reasons consideration beyond due performance constitutional obligations respect legislature sense propriety restrain attempt control influence proceedings power honor responsibility legislation country government united states limited government confined exercise powers expressly granted others may necessary carrying powers effect times especial duty guard infringement rights states objects subjects intrusted congress legislative authority supreme authority ceases every citizen truly loves constitution desires continuance existence blessings resolutely firmly resist interference domestic affairs constitution dearly unequivocally left exclusive authority states every citizen also deprecate useless irritation among several members union reproach crimination tending alienate one portion country another beauty system government consists safety durability must consist avoiding mutual collisions encroachments regular separate action revolving distinct orbit constitution made duty president take care laws faithfully executed government like laws passed majority representatives people representatives chosen short periods injurious obnoxious law soon repealed would appear unlikely great numbers found ready resist execution laws must borne mind country extensive may local interests prejudices rendering law odious one part another thoughtless inconsiderate misled passions imaginations may induced madly resist laws disapprove persons recollect without law real practical liberty law trampled foot tyranny rules whether appears form military despotism popular violence law sure protection weak efficient restraint upon strong impartially faithfully administered none beneath protection none control gentlemen country may assured utmost ability extent power vested shall times places take care laws faithfully executed discharge duty solemnly imposed upon constitution oath office shall shrink responsibility shall endeavor meet events may arise firmness well prudence discretion appointing power one delicate executive invested regard sacred trust exercised sole view advancing prosperity happiness people shall effort elevate standard official employment selecting places importance individuals fitted posts assigned known integrity talents virtues extensive country great population persons appointed office known appointing power mistakes sometimes unavoidably happen unfortunate appointments made notwithstanding greatest care cases power removal may properly exercised neglect duty malfeasance office tolerated individuals appointed appointed others happy able say unfavorable change foreign relations taken place since message opening last session congress peace nations enjoy eminent degree blessings peace prosperous growing commerce forms amicable national intercourse unexampled growth country present amount population ample means assure respect nations trusted character justice regard rights states respect readily cheerfully paid convention negotiated united states great britain april last facilitating protecting construction ship canal atlantic pacific oceans purposes instrument since ratified contracting parties exchange ratifications effected proclamation thereof duly made addition stipulations contained convention two objects remain accomplished contracting powers first designation establishment free port end canal second agreement fixing distance shore within belligerent maritime operations shall carried points little doubt two governments come understanding company citizens united states acquired state nicaragua privilege constructing ship canal two oceans territory state made progress preliminary arrangements treaty united states great britain 19th april last referred operation hoped guaranties offers sufficient secure completion work practicable expedition obvious result would indefinitely postponed peaceful measures purpose harmonizing conflicting claims territory quarter adopted consequently endeavor negotiations part government may requisite purpose conducted bring speedy successful close unavoidable delay occurred arising distance difficulty intercourse government nicaragua intelligence received appointment envoy extraordinary minister plenipotentiary government reside washington whose arrival may soon expected hoped impediments experienced prompt transaction business two governments citizens united states undertaken connection two oceans means railroad across isthmus tehuantepec grants mexican government citizen republic understood thorough survey course communication preparation every reason expect prosecuted characteristic energy especially government shall consented stipulations government united states may necessary impart feeling security may embark property enterprise negotiations pending accomplishment object hope confidently entertained government mexico shall become duly sensible advantages country fail derive work learn government united states desires right sovereignty mexico isthmus shall remain unimpaired stipulations referred agreed alacrity last advices mexico would appear however government entertains strong objections stipulations parties concerned project railroad deem necessary protection security consideration hoped modification terms may yet reconcile differences existing two governments respect fresh instructions recently given minister united states mexico prosecuting subject promptitude ability although negotiations portugal payment claims citizens united states government yet resulted formal treaty yet proposition made government portugal final adjustment payment claims recently accepted part united states gives pleasure say clay negotiation part united states intrusted discharged duties appointment ability discretion acting always within instructions government expected regular convention immediately negotiated carrying agreement two governments effect commissioner appointed act congress carrying effect convention brazil 27th january 1849 entered upon performance duties imposed upon act hoped duties may completed within time prescribes documents however imperial government third article convention stipulates furnish government united states yet received presumed documents essential correct disposition claims may become necessary congress extend period limited duration commission sum stipulated fourth article convention paid government received collection ports united states discriminating duties upon vessels chili cargoes suspended pursuant provisions act congress 24th may 1828 hoped measure impart fresh impulse commerce two countries late especially since acquisition california mutual advantage parties much augmented peruvian guano become desirable article agricultural interest united states duty government employ means properly power purpose causing article imported country reasonable price nothing omitted part toward accomplishing desirable end persuaded removing restraints traffic peruvian government promote best interests afford proof friendly disposition toward country duly appreciated treaty united states majesty king hawaiian islands recently made public believed beneficial effect upon relations two countries relations parts island domingo formerly colonies spain france respectively still unsettled condition proximity island united states delicate questions involved existing controversy render desirable permanently speedily adjusted interests humanity general commerce also demand intimations sentiment received governments hoped plan may soon devised effect object manner likely give general satisfaction government united states fail exercise proper friendly offices power put end destructive war raged different parts island secure benefits peace commerce refer report secretary treasury detailed statement finances total receipts treasury year ending 30th june last total expenditures period public debt reduced since last annual report treasury department nineteenth section act 28th january 1847 proceeds sales public lands pledged interest principal public debt great amount lands subsequently granted congress military bounties believed nearly supply public demand several years come little reliance therefore placed hitherto fruitful source revenue aside permanent annual expenditures necessarily largely increased portion public debt amounting must provided within next two fiscal years desirable accruing demands met without resorting new loans experience demonstrated wisdom policy raising large portion revenue support government duties goods imported power lay duties unquestionable chief object course replenish treasury incidental advantage may gained encouraging industry citizens duty avail advantage duty laid upon article produced country tea coffee adds cost article chiefly wholly paid consumer duty laid upon article may produced stimulates skill industry country produce article brought market competition foreign article importer thus compelled reduce price domestic article sold thereby throwing part duty upon producer foreign article continuance process creates skill invites capital finally enable us produce article much cheaper could procured abroad thereby benefiting producer consumer home consequence artisan agriculturist brought together affords ready market produce whole country becomes prosperous ability produce every necessary life renders us independent war well peace high tariff never permanent dissatisfaction changed excludes competition thereby invites investment capital manufactures excess changed brings distress bankruptcy ruin upon misled faithless protection manufacturer wants uniformity permanency may feel confidence ruined sudden exchanges make tariff uniform permanent necessary laws altered duty fluctuate effect duties specific wherever nature article admit ad valorem duties fluctuate price offer strong temptations fraud perjury specific duties contrary equal uniform ports times offer strong inducement importer bring best article pays duty upon upon one inferior quality therefore strongly recommend modification present tariff prostrated important necessary manufactures specific duties imposed sufficient raise requisite revenue making discriminations favor industrial pursuits country encourage home production without excluding foreign competition also important unfortunate provision present tariff imposes much higher duty upon raw material enters manufactures upon manufactured article remedied papers accompanying report secretary treasury disclose frauds attempted upon revenue variety amount great justify conclusion impossible system ad valorem duties levied upon foreign cost value article secure honest observance effectual administration laws fraudulent devices evade law detected vigilance appraisers leave room doubt similar impositions discovered large amount successfully practiced since enactment law force state things already prejudicial influence upon engaged foreign commerce tendency drive honest trader business importing throw important branch employment hands unscrupulous dishonest men alike regardless law obligations oath means plain intentions congress expressed law daily defeated every motive policy duty therefore impels ask earnest attention congress subject congress deem unwise attempt important changes system levying duties session become indispensable protection revenue remedies judgment congress may mitigate evils complained applied stated specific duties would opinion afford perfect remedy evil concur view partial remedy beg leave respectfully recommend instead taking invoice article abroad means determining value correctness invoice many cases impossible verify law changed require home valuation appraisal regulated manner give far practicable uniformity several ports mint california informed laborers mines compelled dispose gold dust large discount appears heavy unjust tax upon labor employed extracting precious metal doubt disposed earliest period possible relieve establishment mint meantime assayer office established would respectfully submit consideration propriety authorizing gold bullion assayed stamped received payment government dues conceive treasury would suffer loss provision raise bullion par value thereby save rightly informed many millions dollars laborers paid brokerage convert precious metal available funds discount upon hard earnings heavy tax every effort made government relieve great burden population engaged cultivation soil commercial manufacturing navigating interests great extent dependent agricultural therefore important interest nation claim fostering care protection government far extended consistently provisions constitution done ordinary modes legislation respectfully recommend establishment agricultural bureau charged duty giving leading branch american industry encouragement well deserves view immense mineral resources country provision also made employment competent mineralogist chemist required direction head bureau collect specimens various minerals country ascertain careful analysis respective elements properties adaptation useful purposes also required examine report upon qualities different soils manures best calculated improve productiveness publishing results experiments suitable explanations collection distribution rare seeds plants instructions best system cultivation much may done promote great national interest compliance act congress passed 23d may 1850 providing among things taking seventh census superintendent appointed measures adopted deemed necessary insure prompt faithful performance duty appropriation already made believed sufficient defray whole expense work legislation may necessary regard compensation marshals territories also proper make provision law early day publication abstracts returns public interests may require unprecedented growth territories pacific wealth population consequent increase social commercial relations atlantic states seem render duty government use constitutional power improve means intercourse importance opening line communication best expeditious nature country admit valley mississippi pacific brought notice predecessor annual message reasons presented favor measure still exist full force beg leave call attention repeat recommendations made uncertainty exists regard validity land titles california subject demands early consideration large bodies land state claimed grants said made authority spanish mexican governments many perfected others revoked believed fraudulent shall judicially investigated continue retard settlement improvement country therefore respectfully recommend provision made law appointment commissioners examine claims view final adjustment also beg leave call attention propriety extending early day system land laws modifications may necessary state california territories utah new mexico mineral lands california course form exception general system may adopted various methods disposing suggested first inclined favor system leasing seemed promise largest revenue government afford best security monopolies reflection experience leasing lead mines selling lands upon credit brought mind conclusion would great difficulty collecting rents relation debtor creditor citizens government would attended many mischievous consequences therefore recommend instead retaining mineral lands permanent control government divided small parcels sold restrictions quantity time insure best price guard effectually combinations capitalists obtain monopolies annexation texas acquisition california new mexico given increased importance indian relations various tribes brought jurisdiction enlargements boundaries estimated embrace population texas new mexico surrounded powerful tribes indians source constant terror annoyance inhabitants separating small predatory bands always mounted overrun country devastating farms destroying crops driving whole herds cattle occasionally murdering inhabitants carrying captivity great roads leading country infested whereby traveling rendered extremely dangerous immigration almost entirely arrested mexican frontier eleventh article treaty guadalupe hidalgo bound protect indians within border exposed incursions equally military force stationed country although forming large proportion army represented entirely inadequate protection fulfillment treaty stipulations mexico principal deficiency cavalry recommend congress early period practicable provide raising one regiments mounted men suggestions subject others connected domestic interests defense frontier refer reports secretary interior secretary war commend also favorable consideration suggestion contained report letter general chief relative establishment asylum relief disabled destitute soldiers subject appeals strongly sympathies would superfluous say anything barely express cordial approbation proposed object navy continues give protection commerce national interests different quarters globe exception single steamer northern lakes vessels commission distributed six different squadrons report head department exhibit services squadrons several vessels employed past year source gratification constantly prepared hostile emergency everywhere met respect courtesy due well dignity peaceful dispositions purposes nation two brigantines accepted government generous citizen new york placed command officer navy proceed arctic seas quest british commander sir john franklin companions compliance act congress approved may last last heard penetrated high northern latitude success noble humane enterprise yet uncertain invite attention view present naval establishment resources presented report secretary navy suggestions therein made improvement together naval policy recommended security pacific coast protection extension commerce eastern asia facilities larger participation trade east means recent settlements shores pacific obvious overlooked disregarded questions relation rank army navy relative rank officers two branches service presented executive certain resolutions house representatives last session congress submitted board officers branch service report may expected early day also earnestly recommend enactment law authorizing officers army navy retired service incompetent vigorous active duties taking care make suitable provision faithfully served country awarding distinctions retaining appropriate commands particularly conspicuous gallantry good conduct obligation country maintain honor exclusion pursuits devoted arduous service acknowledged obligation permitted interfere efficiency service gratified able state estimates expenditure navy ensuing year less present excepting appropriation may become necessary construction dock coast pacific propositions considered special report may expected early present session evident justness suggestion report appropriations naval service proper separated fixed permanent objects building docks navy yards fixtures attached extraordinary objects care department however important essentially naval revision code government navy seems require immediate consideration congress system crimes punishments undergone change half century last session though defects often ably pointed abolition particular species corporal punishment took place without providing substitute left service state defectiveness calls prompt correction therefore recommend whole subject revised without delay system established enforcement discipline shall humane effectual accompanying report presents satisfactory view operations condition department close last fiscal year length inland mail routes united states embracing service oregon california miles annual transportation thereon miles annual cost transportation increase annual transportation preceding year miles increase cost number united states 1st day july last increase preceding year gross revenues department fiscal year ending june 30 1850 amounted including annual appropriation franked matter departments excluding foreign postages collected payable british government expenditures period leaving balance revenue expenditures happy find fiscal condition department justify recommending reduction inland letter postage 3 cents single letter prepaid 5 cents prepaid also recommends prepaid rate shall reduced 2 cents whenever revenues department reduction shall exceed expenditures 5 per cent two consecutive years postage upon california letters sent ocean steamers shall much reduced rates postage newspapers pamphlets periodicals printed matter shall modified reduction thereon made doubted proposed reductions present diminish revenues department believed deficiency surplus already accumulated shall exhausted may almost wholly met either abolishing existing privileges sending free matter mails paying treasury department sum equivalent postage deprived privileges last supposed preferable mode entirely nearly supply deficiency make appropriation may found necessary inconsiderable form obstacle proposed reductions entertain doubt authority congress make appropriations leading objects class public works comprising usually called works internal improvement authority suppose derived chiefly power regulating commerce foreign nations among states power laying collecting imposts commerce carried imposts collected must ports harbors well wharves ships laden valuable cargoes approach shore sail along coast necessary suitable points protection life property facilities securities commerce navigation hardly less important clauses constitution therefore referred received origin government liberal beneficial construction buoys beacons established floating lights maintained harbors cleared improved piers constructed even breakwaters safety shipping sea walls protect harbors filled rendered useless action ocean erected great expense construction constitution appears reasonable consideration works evident importance utility accomplished congress accomplished adoption constitution several states voluntarily parted power collecting duties imposts ports expected raise money internal taxation direct indirect benefit commerce revenues derived either whole part go treasuries perceive difference power congress make appropriations objects kind ocean power make appropriations similar objects lakes rivers wherever large enough bear waters extensive traffic magnificent mississippi tributaries vast lakes north northwest appear fall within exercise power justly clearly ocean gulf mexico mistake regard expenditures judiciously made objects expenditures local purposes position sight work necessarily local utility general ship canal around falls mary less mile length though local construction would yet national purpose benefits would remove obstruction navigation miles affecting several states well commercial relations canada breakwater mouth delaware erected exclusive benefit states bordering bay river name whole coastwise navigation united states considerable extent also foreign commerce ship lost bar entrance southern port want sufficient depth water likely northern ship steamboat sunk part mississippi account channel properly cleared obstructions may boat belonging either eight ten states may add somewhat remarkable among states none greater less extent bounded ocean gulf mexico one great lakes navigable river fulfilling constitutional duties subject carrying effect powers conferred constitution consider deliberating acting one country bear constantly mind regard duty due particular part whole therefore recommend appropriations made completing works already begun commencing others may seem wisdom congress public general importance difficulties delays incident settlement private claims congress amount many cases denial justice reason apprehend many unfortunate creditors government thereby unavoidably ruined congress much business public character impossible give much attention mere private claims accumulation great many claimants must despair ever able obtain hearing may well doubted whether congress nature organization properly constituted decide upon cases impossible member examine merits every claim compelled vote preposterous ask judge decide case never heard decisions may frequently must injustice either claimant government perceive better remedy growing evil establishment tribunal adjudicate upon claims beg leave therefore respectfully recommend provision made law appointment commission settle private claims united states ex parte hearing must contested cases unsatisfactory also recommend appointment solicitor whose duty shall represent government commission protect illegal fraudulent unjust claims may presented adjudication district neither voice vote deliberations looks protection aid commend wants favorable consideration full confidence meet justice liberality borne mind city laid washington consecrated name located capitol nation emblem union symbol greatness also situated public buildings necessary use government exempt taxation pride americans render place attractive people whole republic convenient safe transaction public business preservation public records government therefore bear liberal proportion burdens necessary useful improvements nothing could contribute health comfort safety city security public buildings records abundant supply pure water respectfully recommend make provisions obtaining wisdom may deem proper act passed last session making certain propositions texas settling disputed boundary state territory new mexico immediately passage transmitted express governor texas laid general assembly agreement thereto receipt duly acknowledged official information yet received action general assembly thereon may however soon expected terms propositions submitted acted upon first day present month hardly expected series measures passed last session view healing sectional differences sprung slavery territorial questions realized beneficent purpose mutual concession nature compromise must necessarily unwelcome men extreme opinions though without concessions constitution could formed permanently sustained yet seen made subject bitter controversy sections republic required many months discussion deliberation secure concurrence majority congress favor would strange received immediate approbation people states prejudiced heated exciting controversies representatives believe measures required circumstances condition country believe necessary allay asperities animosities rapidly alienating one section country another destroying fraternal sentiments strongest supports constitution adopted spirit conciliation purpose conciliation believe great majority fellow citizens sympathize spirit purpose main approve prepared respects sustain enactments doubt american people bound together kindred blood common traditions still cherish paramount regard union fathers ready rebuke attempt violate integrity disturb compromises based resist laws enacted authority series measures alluded regarded settlement principle substance final settlement dangerous exciting subjects embraced subjects indeed beyond reach legislation disposed character final irrevocable may presumed opposition encountered none measures free imperfections mutual dependence connection formed system compromise conciliatory best entire country could obtained conflicting sectional interests opinions reason recommend adherence adjustment established measures time experience shall demonstrate necessity legislation guard evasion abuse adjustment rescued wide boundless agitation surrounded us firm distinct legal ground rest upon occasion trust justify exhorting countrymen rally upon maintain ground best means restoring peace quiet country maintaining inviolate integrity union bring communication close without invoking join humble devout thanks great ruler nations multiplied blessings graciously bestowed upon us hand often visible preservation stayed pestilence saved us foreign wars domestic disturbances scattered plenty throughout land liberties religions civil maintained fountains knowledge kept open means happiness widely spread generally enjoyed greater fallen lot nation deeply penetrated gratitude past let us hope providence guide counsels shall result giving satisfaction constituents securing peace country adding new strength united government live
suddenly call midst last session congress painful dispensation divine providence responsible station hold content communication legislature exigency moment seem require country shroud mourning loss venerable chief magistrate heart penetrate grief neither time occasion appear require justify part general expression political opinion announcement principle would govern discharge duty performance unexpectedly call trust therefore may deem inappropriate avail opportunity reassemble congress make know sentiment general manner regard policy ought pursue government intercourse foreign nation management administration internal affair nation like individual state nature equal independent possess certain right owe certain duty arise necessary unavoidable relation right duty common human authority protect enforce still right duty bind moral conscience honor although tribunal injured party appeal disinterested judgment mankind ultimately arbitrament sword among acknowledged right nation possesses establish form government may deem conducive happiness prosperity citizens change form circumstance may require manage internal affair accord people united state claim right readily concede others hence becomes imperative duty interfere government internal policy nation although may sympathize unfortunate oppress everywhere struggle freedom principle forbid u take part foreign contest make war promote prevent succession throne maintain theory balance power suppress actual government country choose establish instigate revolution suffer hostile military expedition fit united state invade territory province friendly nation great law morality ought national well personal individual application act toward nation wish act toward u justice conscience form rule conduct government instead mere power self interest desire aggrandizement maintain strict neutrality foreign war cultivate friendly relation reciprocate every noble generous act perform punctually scrupulously every treaty obligation duty owe state performance best entitle like treatment case refuse enforce right justice clear conscience domestic policy constitution guide question doubt shall look interpretation judicial decision tribunal establish expound usage government sanction acquiescence country regard provision equally bind part people express solemn form constitute authority agent carry effect every power grant exercised public good pretense utility honest conviction even might expedient justify assumption power grant power confer upon government distribution several department clearly express sacred instrument imperfection human language allow deem first duty question wisdom add provision evade requirement nullify command upon representative state people wisely devolve legislative power shall comply duty lay time time information calculate enable discharge high responsible trust benefit common constituent opinion frankly express upon lead subject legislation anticipate act pas two house congress appear unconstitutional encroachment power department provision hastily adopt likely produce consequence injurious unforeseen shrink duty return reason consideration beyond due performance constitutional obligation respect legislature sense propriety restrain attempt control influence proceeding power honor responsibility legislation country government unite state limited government confine exercise power expressly grant others may necessary carry power effect time especial duty guard infringement right state object subject intrust congress legislative authority supreme authority cease every citizen truly love constitution desire continuance existence blessing resolutely firmly resist interference domestic affair constitution dearly unequivocally leave exclusive authority state every citizen also deprecate useless irritation among several member union reproach crimination tend alienate one portion country another beauty system government consist safety durability must consist avoid mutual collision encroachment regular separate action revolve distinct orbit constitution make duty president take care law faithfully executed government like law pass majority representative people representative choose short period injurious obnoxious law soon repeal would appear unlikely great number find ready resist execution law must bear mind country extensive may local interest prejudice render law odious one part another thoughtless inconsiderate mislead passion imagination may induce madly resist law disapprove person recollect without law real practical liberty law trample foot tyranny rule whether appear form military despotism popular violence law sure protection weak efficient restraint upon strong impartially faithfully administer none beneath protection none control gentleman country may assure utmost ability extent power vest shall time place take care law faithfully execute discharge duty solemnly impose upon constitution oath office shall shrink responsibility shall endeavor meet event may arise firmness well prudence discretion appoint power one delicate executive invest regard sacred trust exercise sole view advance prosperity happiness people shall effort elevate standard official employment select place importance individual fit post assign know integrity talent virtue extensive country great population person appoint office know appoint power mistake sometimes unavoidably happen unfortunate appointment make notwithstanding great care case power removal may properly exercise neglect duty malfeasance office tolerate individual appoint appoint others happy able say unfavorable change foreign relation take place since message opening last session congress peace nation enjoy eminent degree blessing peace prosperous grow commerce form amicable national intercourse unexampled growth country present amount population ample mean assure respect nation trust character justice regard right state respect readily cheerfully pay convention negotiate united state great britain april last facilitating protect construction ship canal atlantic pacific ocean purpose instrument since ratify contract party exchange ratification effect proclamation thereof duly make addition stipulation contain convention two object remain accomplished contract power first designation establishment free port end canal second agreement fix distance shore within belligerent maritime operation shall carry point little doubt two government come understanding company citizen united state acquire state nicaragua privilege construct ship canal two ocean territory state make progress preliminary arrangement treaty united state great britain 19th april last referred operation hop guaranty offer sufficient secure completion work practicable expedition obvious result would indefinitely postpone peaceful measure purpose harmonize conflict claim territory quarter adopt consequently endeavor negotiation part government may requisite purpose conduct bring speedy successful close unavoidable delay occur arise distance difficulty intercourse government nicaragua intelligence receive appointment envoy extraordinary minister plenipotentiary government reside washington whose arrival may soon expect hop impediment experience prompt transaction business two government citizen united state undertaken connection two ocean mean railroad across isthmus tehuantepec grant mexican government citizen republic understand thorough survey course communication preparation every reason expect prosecute characteristic energy especially government shall consent stipulation government united state may necessary impart feel security may embark property enterprise negotiation pending accomplishment object hope confidently entertain government mexico shall become duly sensible advantage country fail derive work learn government unite state desire right sovereignty mexico isthmus shall remain unimpaired stipulation refer agree alacrity last advice mexico would appear however government entertain strong objection stipulation party concern project railroad deem necessary protection security consideration hop modification term may yet reconcile difference exist two government respect fresh instruction recently give minister united state mexico prosecute subject promptitude ability although negotiation portugal payment claim citizen united state government yet result formal treaty yet proposition make government portugal final adjustment payment claim recently accept part united state give pleasure say clay negotiation part united state intrust discharged duty appointment ability discretion act always within instruction government expect regular convention immediately negotiate carry agreement two government effect commissioner appoint act congress carry effect convention brazil 27th january 1849 enter upon performance duty impose upon act hop duty may complete within time prescribes document however imperial government third article convention stipulate furnish government unite state yet receive presumed document essential correct disposition claim may become necessary congress extend period limited duration commission sum stipulate fourth article convention pay government receive collection port unite state discriminate duty upon vessel chili cargo suspend pursuant provision act congress 24th may 1828 hop measure impart fresh impulse commerce two country late especially since acquisition california mutual advantage party much augment peruvian guano become desirable article agricultural interest unite state duty government employ mean properly power purpose cause article import country reasonable price nothing omit part toward accomplish desirable end persuade remove restraint traffic peruvian government promote best interest afford proof friendly disposition toward country duly appreciate treaty united state majesty king hawaiian island recently make public believe beneficial effect upon relation two country relation part island domingo formerly colony spain france respectively still unsettled condition proximity island united state delicate question involve exist controversy render desirable permanently speedily adjust interest humanity general commerce also demand intimation sentiment receive government hop plan may soon devise effect object manner likely give general satisfaction government unite state fail exercise proper friendly office power put end destructive war rag different part island secure benefit peace commerce refer report secretary treasury detail statement finance total receipt treasury year end 30th june last total expenditure period public debt reduce since last annual report treasury department nineteenth section act 28th january 1847 proceeds sale public land pledge interest principal public debt great amount land subsequently grant congress military bounty believe nearly supply public demand several year come little reliance therefore place hitherto fruitful source revenue aside permanent annual expenditure necessarily largely increased portion public debt amounting must provide within next two fiscal year desirable accrue demand meet without resort new loan experience demonstrate wisdom policy raise large portion revenue support government duty good import power lay duty unquestionable chief object course replenish treasury incidental advantage may gain encourage industry citizen duty avail advantage duty lay upon article produce country tea coffee add cost article chiefly wholly pay consumer duty lay upon article may produce stimulates skill industry country produce article bring market competition foreign article importer thus compel reduce price domestic article sell thereby throw part duty upon producer foreign article continuance process create skill invite capital finally enable u produce article much cheap could procure abroad thereby benefit producer consumer home consequence artisan agriculturist bring together affords ready market produce whole country become prosperous ability produce every necessary life render u independent war well peace high tariff never permanent dissatisfaction change excludes competition thereby invite investment capital manufacture excess change bring distress bankruptcy ruin upon mislead faithless protection manufacturer want uniformity permanency may feel confidence ruin sudden exchange make tariff uniform permanent necessary law alter duty fluctuate effect duty specific wherever nature article admit ad valorem duty fluctuate price offer strong temptation fraud perjury specific duty contrary equal uniform port time offer strong inducement importer bring best article pay duty upon upon one inferior quality therefore strongly recommend modification present tariff prostrate important necessary manufacture specific duty impose sufficient raise requisite revenue make discrimination favor industrial pursuit country encourage home production without exclude foreign competition also important unfortunate provision present tariff imposes much high duty upon raw material enters manufacture upon manufactured article remedied paper accompany report secretary treasury disclose fraud attempt upon revenue variety amount great justify conclusion impossible system ad valorem duty levy upon foreign cost value article secure honest observance effectual administration law fraudulent device evade law detect vigilance appraiser leave room doubt similar imposition discover large amount successfully practice since enactment law force state thing already prejudicial influence upon engage foreign commerce tendency drive honest trader business import throw important branch employment hand unscrupulous dishonest men alike regardless law obligation oath mean plain intention congress express law daily defeat every motive policy duty therefore impels ask earnest attention congress subject congress deem unwise attempt important change system levy duty session become indispensable protection revenue remedy judgment congress may mitigate evil complain applied state specific duty would opinion afford perfect remedy evil concur view partial remedy beg leave respectfully recommend instead take invoice article abroad mean determine value correctness invoice many case impossible verify law change require home valuation appraisal regulate manner give far practicable uniformity several port mint california inform laborer mine compel dispose gold dust large discount appear heavy unjust tax upon labor employ extract precious metal doubt dispose early period possible relieve establishment mint meantime assayer office establish would respectfully submit consideration propriety authorize gold bullion assay stamp receive payment government due conceive treasury would suffer loss provision raise bullion par value thereby save rightly inform many million dollar laborer pay brokerage convert precious metal available fund discount upon hard earnings heavy tax every effort make government relieve great burden population engage cultivation soil commercial manufacturing navigate interest great extent dependent agricultural therefore important interest nation claim foster care protection government far extend consistently provision constitution do ordinary mode legislation respectfully recommend establishment agricultural bureau charge duty give lead branch american industry encouragement well deserve view immense mineral resource country provision also make employment competent mineralogist chemist require direction head bureau collect specimens various mineral country ascertain careful analysis respective element property adaptation useful purpose also require examine report upon quality different soil manure best calculate improve productiveness publishing result experiment suitable explanation collection distribution rare seed plant instruction best system cultivation much may do promote great national interest compliance act congress pass 23d may 1850 provide among thing take seventh census superintendent appoint measure adopt deem necessary insure prompt faithful performance duty appropriation already make believe sufficient defray whole expense work legislation may necessary regard compensation marshal territory also proper make provision law early day publication abstract return public interest may require unprecedented growth territory pacific wealth population consequent increase social commercial relation atlantic state seem render duty government use constitutional power improve mean intercourse importance open line communication best expeditious nature country admit valley mississippi pacific bring notice predecessor annual message reason present favor measure still exist full force beg leave call attention repeat recommendation make uncertainty exists regard validity land title california subject demand early consideration large body land state claim grant say make authority spanish mexican government many perfect others revoke believe fraudulent shall judicially investigate continue retard settlement improvement country therefore respectfully recommend provision make law appointment commissioner examine claim view final adjustment also beg leave call attention propriety extend early day system land law modification may necessary state california territory utah new mexico mineral land california course form exception general system may adopt various method dispose suggest first incline favor system lease seem promise large revenue government afford best security monopoly reflection experience lease lead mine sell land upon credit bring mind conclusion would great difficulty collect rent relation debtor creditor citizens government would attend many mischievous consequence therefore recommend instead retain mineral land permanent control government divide small parcel sell restriction quantity time insure best price guard effectually combination capitalist obtain monopoly annexation texas acquisition california new mexico give increase importance indian relation various tribe bring jurisdiction enlargement boundary estimate embrace population texas new mexico surround powerful tribe indian source constant terror annoyance inhabitant separate small predatory band always mount overrun country devastate farm destroy crop drive whole herd cattle occasionally murder inhabitant carry captivity great road lead country infest whereby travel render extremely dangerous immigration almost entirely arrested mexican frontier eleventh article treaty guadalupe hidalgo bound protect indian within border expose incursion equally military force station country although form large proportion army represent entirely inadequate protection fulfillment treaty stipulation mexico principal deficiency cavalry recommend congress early period practicable provide raise one regiment mount men suggestion subject others connect domestic interest defense frontier refer report secretary interior secretary war commend also favorable consideration suggestion contain report letter general chief relative establishment asylum relief disable destitute soldier subject appeal strongly sympathy would superfluous say anything barely express cordial approbation propose object navy continue give protection commerce national interest different quarter globe exception single steamer northern lake vessel commission distribute six different squadron report head department exhibit service squadron several vessel employ past year source gratification constantly prepare hostile emergency everywhere meet respect courtesy due well dignity peaceful disposition purpose nation two brigantine accept government generous citizen new york place command officer navy proceed arctic sea quest british commander sir john franklin companion compliance act congress approve may last last heard penetrate high northern latitude success noble humane enterprise yet uncertain invite attention view present naval establishment resource present report secretary navy suggestion therein make improvement together naval policy recommend security pacific coast protection extension commerce eastern asia facility large participation trade east mean recent settlement shore pacific obvious overlook disregarded question relation rank army navy relative rank officer two branch service present executive certain resolution house representative last session congress submit board officer branch service report may expect early day also earnestly recommend enactment law authorize officer army navy retired service incompetent vigorous active duty take care make suitable provision faithfully serve country award distinction retain appropriate command particularly conspicuous gallantry good conduct obligation country maintain honor exclusion pursuit devote arduous service acknowledge obligation permit interfere efficiency service gratify able state estimate expenditure navy ensue year less present except appropriation may become necessary construction dock coast pacific proposition consider special report may expect early present session evident justness suggestion report appropriation naval service proper separate fixed permanent object build dock navy yard fixture attach extraordinary object care department however important essentially naval revision code government navy seem require immediate consideration congress system crime punishments undergone change half century last session though defect often ably point abolition particular specie corporal punishment take place without provide substitute leave service state defectiveness call prompt correction therefore recommend whole subject revise without delay system establish enforcement discipline shall humane effectual accompany report present satisfactory view operation condition department close last fiscal year length inland mail route united state embrace service oregon california mile annual transportation thereon mile annual cost transportation increase annual transportation precede year mile increase cost number united state 1st day july last increase precede year gross revenue department fiscal year end june 30 1850 amount include annual appropriation frank matter department exclude foreign postage collect payable british government expenditure period leave balance revenue expenditures happy find fiscal condition department justify recommend reduction inland letter postage 3 cent single letter prepay 5 cent prepaid also recommend prepaid rate shall reduce 2 cent whenever revenue department reduction shall exceed expenditure 5 per cent two consecutive year postage upon california letter send ocean steamer shall much reduce rate postage newspaper pamphlet periodical print matter shall modify reduction thereon make doubt proposed reduction present diminish revenue department believe deficiency surplus already accumulate shall exhaust may almost wholly meet either abolish exist privilege send free matter mail pay treasury department sum equivalent postage deprive privilege last suppose preferable mode entirely nearly supply deficiency make appropriation may find necessary inconsiderable form obstacle propose reduction entertain doubt authority congress make appropriation lead object class public work comprise usually call work internal improvement authority suppose derive chiefly power regulate commerce foreign nation among state power lay collect impost commerce carried impost collect must port harbor well wharves ship laden valuable cargo approach shore sail along coast necessary suitable point protection life property facility security commerce navigation hardly less important clause constitution therefore refer receive origin government liberal beneficial construction buoy beacon establish float light maintain harbor clear improved pier construct even breakwater safety ship sea wall protect harbor fill rendered useless action ocean erect great expense construction constitution appear reasonable consideration work evident importance utility accomplish congress accomplish adoption constitution several state voluntarily part power collect duty impost port expect raise money internal taxation direct indirect benefit commerce revenue derive either whole part go treasury perceive difference power congress make appropriation object kind ocean power make appropriation similar object lakes river wherever large enough bear water extensive traffic magnificent mississippi tributary vast lakes north northwest appear fall within exercise power justly clearly ocean gulf mexico mistake regard expenditures judiciously make object expenditures local purpose position sight work necessarily local utility general ship canal around fall mary less mile length though local construction would yet national purpose benefit would remove obstruction navigation mile affect several state well commercial relation canada breakwater mouth delaware erect exclusive benefit state border bay river name whole coastwise navigation unite state considerable extent also foreign commerce ship lose bar entrance southern port want sufficient depth water likely northern ship steamboat sunk part mississippi account channel properly clear obstruction may boat belong either eight ten state may add somewhat remarkable among state none great less extent bound ocean gulf mexico one great lakes navigable river fulfil constitutional duty subject carry effect power confer constitution consider deliberate act one country bear constantly mind regard duty due particular part whole therefore recommend appropriation make complete work already begin commence others may seem wisdom congress public general importance difficulty delay incident settlement private claim congress amount many case denial justice reason apprehend many unfortunate creditor government thereby unavoidably ruin congress much business public character impossible give much attention mere private claim accumulation great many claimant must despair ever able obtain hearing may well doubt whether congress nature organization properly constitute decide upon case impossible member examine merit every claim compel vote preposterous ask judge decide case never hear decision may frequently must injustice either claimant government perceive good remedy grow evil establishment tribunal adjudicate upon claim beg leave therefore respectfully recommend provision make law appointment commission settle private claim unite state ex parte hearing must contest case unsatisfactory also recommend appointment solicitor whose duty shall represent government commission protect illegal fraudulent unjust claim may present adjudication district neither voice vote deliberation look protection aid commend want favorable consideration full confidence meet justice liberality borne mind city lay washington consecrate name locate capitol nation emblem union symbol greatness also situate public building necessary use government exempt taxation pride americans render place attractive people whole republic convenient safe transaction public business preservation public record government therefore bear liberal proportion burden necessary useful improvement nothing could contribute health comfort safety city security public building record abundant supply pure water respectfully recommend make provision obtain wisdom may deem proper act pass last session make certain proposition texas settle dispute boundary state territory new mexico immediately passage transmit express governor texas lay general assembly agreement thereto receipt duly acknowledge official information yet receive action general assembly thereon may however soon expect term proposition submit acted upon first day present month hardly expect series measure pass last session view heal sectional difference spring slavery territorial question realize beneficent purpose mutual concession nature compromise must necessarily unwelcome men extreme opinion though without concession constitution could form permanently sustain yet see make subject bitter controversy section republic require many month discussion deliberation secure concurrence majority congress favor would strange received immediate approbation people state prejudice heat exciting controversy representative believe measure require circumstance condition country believe necessary allay asperity animosities rapidly alienate one section country another destroy fraternal sentiment strong support constitution adopt spirit conciliation purpose conciliation believe great majority fellow citizen sympathize spirit purpose main approve prepared respect sustain enactment doubt american people bound together kindred blood common tradition still cherish paramount regard union father ready rebuke attempt violate integrity disturb compromise base resist law enact authority series measure allude regarded settlement principle substance final settlement dangerous exciting subject embrace subject indeed beyond reach legislation dispose character final irrevocable may presume opposition encounter none measure free imperfection mutual dependence connection form system compromise conciliatory best entire country could obtain conflict sectional interest opinion reason recommend adherence adjustment establish measure time experience shall demonstrate necessity legislation guard evasion abuse adjustment rescue wide boundless agitation surround u firm distinct legal ground rest upon occasion trust justify exhort countryman rally upon maintain ground best mean restore peace quiet country maintain inviolate integrity union bring communication close without invoke join humble devout thanks great ruler nation multiply blessing graciously bestow upon u hand often visible preservation stay pestilence save u foreign war domestic disturbance scatter plenty throughout land liberty religions civil maintain fountain knowledge keep open mean happiness widely spread generally enjoy great fall lot nation deeply penetrate gratitude past let u hope providence guide counsel shall result give satisfaction constituent secure peace country add new strength united government live