Sixty years have elapsed since the establishment of this Government, and the Congress of the United States again assembles to legislate for an empire of freemen. The predictions of evil prophets, who formerly pretended to foretell the downfall of our institutions, are now remembered only to be derided, and the United States of America at this moment present to the world the most stable and permanent Government on earth. Such is the result of the labors of those who have gone before us. Upon Congress will eminently depend the future maintenance of our system of free government and the transmission of it unimpaired to posterity. We are at peace with all the other nations of the world, and seek to maintain our cherished relations of amity with them. During the past year we have been blessed by a kind Providence with an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and although the destroying angel for a time visited extensive portions of our territory with the ravages of a dreadful pestilence, yet the Almighty has at length deigned to stay his hand and to restore the inestimable blessing of general health to a people who have acknowledged His power, deprecated His wrath, and implored His merciful protection. While enjoying the benefits of amicable intercourse with foreign nations, we have not been insensible to the distractions and wars which have prevailed in other quarters of the world. It is a proper theme of thanksgiving to Him who rules the destinies of nations that we have been able to maintain amidst all these contests an independent and neutral position toward all belligerent powers. Our relations with Great Britain are of the most friendly character. In consequence of the recent alteration of the British navigation acts, British vessels, from British and other foreign ports, will under our existing laws, after the 1st day of January next, be admitted to entry in our ports with cargoes of the growth, manufacture, or production of any part of the world on the same terms as to duties, imposts, and charges as vessels of the United States with their cargoes, and our vessels will be admitted to the same advantages in British ports, entering therein on the same terms as British vessels. Should no order in council disturb this legislative arrangement, the late act of the British Parliament, by which Great Britain is brought within the terms proposed by the act of Congress of the 1st of March, 1817, it is hoped will be productive of benefit to both countries. A slight interruption of diplomatic intercourse which occurred between this Government and France, I am happy to say, has been terminated, and our minister there has been received. It is therefore unnecessary to refer now to the circumstances which led to that interruption. I need not express to you the sincere satisfaction with which we shall welcome the arrival of another envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary from a sister Republic to which we have so long been, and still remain, bound by the strongest ties of amity. Shortly after I had entered upon the discharge of the Executive duties I was apprised that a war steamer belonging to the German Empire was being fitted out in the harbor of New York with the aid of some of our naval officers, rendered under the permission of the late Secretary of the Navy. This permission was granted during an armistice between that Empire and the Kingdom of Denmark, which had been engaged in the Schleswig-Holstein war. Apprehensive that this act of intervention on our part might be viewed as a violation of our neutral obligations incurred by the treaty with Denmark and of the provisions of the act of Congress of the 20th of April, 1818, I directed that no further aid should be rendered by any agent or officer of the Navy; and I instructed the Secretary of State to apprise the minister of the German Empire accredited to this Government of my determination to execute the law of the United States and to maintain the faith of treaties with all nations. The correspondence which ensued between the Department of State and the minister of the German Empire is herewith laid before you. The execution of the law and the observance of the treaty were deemed by me to be due to the honor of the country, as well as to the sacred obligations of the Constitution. I shall not fail to pursue the same course should a similar case arise with any other nation. Having avowed the opinion on taking the oath of office that in disputes between conflicting foreign governments it is our interest not less than our duty to remain strictly neutral, I shall not abandon it. You will perceive from the correspondence submitted to you in connection with this subject that the course adopted in this case has been properly regarded by the belligerent powers interested in the matter. Although a minister of the United States to the German Empire was appointed by my predecessor in August, 1848, and has for a long time been in attendance at Frankfort-on-the-Main, and although a minister appointed to represent that Empire was received and accredited here, yet no such government as that of the German Empire has been definitively constituted. Mr. Donelson, our representative at Frankfort, remained there several months in the expectation that a union of the German States under one constitution or form of government might at length be organized. It is believed by those well acquainted with the existing relations between Prussia and the States of Germany that no such union can be permanently established without her cooperation. In the event of the formation of such a union and the organization of a central power in Germany of which she should form a part, it would become necessary to withdraw our minister at Berlin; but while Prussia exists as an independent kingdom and diplomatic relations are maintained with her there can be no necessity for the continuance of the mission to Frankfort. I have therefore recalled Mr. Donelson and directed the archives of the legation at Frankfort to be transferred to the American legation at Berlin. Having been apprised that a considerable number of adventurers were engaged in fitting out a, military expedition within the United States against a foreign country, and believing from the best information I could obtain that it was destined to invade the island of Cuba, I deemed it due to the friendly relations existing between the United States and Spain, to the treaty between the two nations, to the laws of the United States, and, above all, to the American honor to exert the lawful authority of this Government in suppressing the expedition and preventing the invasion. To this end I issued a proclamation enjoining it upon the officers of the United States, civil and military, to use all lawful means within their power. A copy of that proclamation is herewith submitted. The expedition has been suppressed. So long as the act of Congress of the 20th of April, 1818, which owes its existence to the law of nations and to the policy of Washington himself, shall remain on our statute books, I hold it to be the duty of the Executive faithfully to obey its injunctions. While this expedition was in progress I was informed that a foreigner who claimed our protection had been clandestinely and, as was supposed, forcibly carried off in a vessel from New Orleans to the island of Cuba. I immediately caused such steps to be taken as I thought necessary, in case the information I had received should prove correct, to vindicate the honor of the country and the right of every person seeking an asylum on our soil to the protection of our laws. The person alleged to have been abducted was promptly restored, and the circumstances of the case are now about to undergo investigation before a judicial tribunal. I would respectfully suggest that although the crime charged to have been committed in this case is held odious, as being in conflict with our opinions on the subject of national sovereignty and personal freedom, there is no prohibition of it or punishment for it provided in any act of Congress. The expediency of supplying this defect in our criminal code is therefore recommended to your consideration. I have scrupulously avoided any interference in the wars and contentions which have recently distracted Europe. During the late conflict between Austria and Hungary there seemed to be a prospect that the latter might become an independent nation. However faint that prospect at the time appeared, I thought it my duty, in accordance with the general sentiment of the American people, who deeply sympathized with the Magyar patriots, to stand prepared, upon the contingency of the establishment by her of a permanent government, to be the first to welcome independent Hungary into the family of nations. For this purpose I invested an agent then in Europe with power to declare our willingness promptly to recognize her independence in the event of her ability to sustain it. The powerful intervention of Russia in the contest extinguished the hopes of the struggling Magyars. The United States did not at any time interfere in the contest, but the feelings of the nation were strongly enlisted in the cause, and by the sufferings of a brave people, who had made a gallant, though unsuccessful, effort to be free. Our claims upon Portugal have been during the past year prosecuted with renewed vigor, and it has been my object to employ every effort of honorable diplomacy to procure their adjustment. Our late charge d'affaires at Lisbon, the Hon. George W. Hopkins, made able and energetic, but unsuccessful, efforts to settle these unpleasant matters of controversy and to obtain indemnity for the wrongs which were the subjects of complaint. Our present charge' d'affaires at that Court will also bring to the prosecution of these claims ability and zeal. The revolutionary and distracted condition of Portugal in past times has been represented as one of the leading causes of her delay in indemnifying our suffering citizens. But I must now say it is matter of profound regret that these claims have not yet been settled. The omission of Portugal to do justice to the American claimants has now assumed a character so grave and serious that I shall shortly make it the subject of a special message to Congress, with a view to such ultimate action as its wisdom and patriotism may suggest. With Russia, Austria, Prussia, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Italian States we still maintain our accustomed amicable relations. During the recent revolutions in the Papal States our charge d'affaires at Rome has been unable to present his letter of credence, which, indeed, he was directed by my predecessor to withhold until he should receive further orders. Such was the unsettled condition of things in those States that it was not deemed expedient to give him any instructions on the subject of presenting his credential letter different from those with which he had been furnished by the late Administration until the 25th of June last, when, in consequence of the want of accurate information of the exact state of things at that distance from us, he was instructed to exercise his own discretion in presenting himself to the then existing Government if in his judgment sufficiently stable, or, if not, to await further events. Since that period Rome has undergone another revolution, and he abides the establishment of a government sufficiently permanent to justify him in opening diplomatic intercourse with it. With the Republic of Mexico it is our true policy to cultivate the most friendly relations. Since the ratification of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo nothing has occurred of a serious character to disturb them. A faithful observance of the treaty and a sincere respect for her rights can not fail to secure the lasting confidence and friendship of that Republic. The message of my predecessor to the House of Representatives of the 8th of February last, communicating, in compliance with a resolution of that body, a copy of a paper called a protocol, signed at Queretaro on the 30th of May, 1848, by the commissioners of the United States and the minister of foreign affairs of the Mexican Government, having been a subject of correspondence between the Department of State and the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of that Republic accredited to this Government, a transcript of that correspondence is herewith submitted. The commissioner on the part of the United States for marking the boundary between the two Republics, though delayed in reaching San Diego by unforeseen obstacles, arrived at that place within a short period after the time required by the treaty, and was there joined by the commissioner on the part of Mexico. They entered upon their duties, and at the date of the latest intelligence from that quarter some progress had been made in the survey. The expenses incident to the organization of the commission and to its conveyance to the point where its operations were to begin have so much reduced the fund appropriated by Congress that a further sum, to cover the charges which must be incurred during the present fiscal year, will be necessary. The great length of frontier along which the boundary extends, the nature of the adjacent territory, and the difficulty of obtaining supplies except at or near the extremes of the line render it also indispensable that a liberal provision should be made to meet the necessary charges during the fiscal year ending on the 30th of June, 1851. I accordingly recommend this subject to your attention. In the adjustment of the claims of American citizens on Mexico, provided for by the late treaty, the employment of counsel on the part of the Government may become important for the purpose of assisting the commissioners in protecting the interests of the United States. I recommend this subject to the early and favorable consideration of Congress. Complaints have been made in regard to the inefficiency of the means provided by the Government of New Granada for transporting the United States mail across the Isthmus of Panama, pursuant to our postal convention with that Republic of the 6th of March, 1844. Our charge d'affaires at Bogota has been directed to make such representations to the Government of New Granada as will, it is hoped, lead to a prompt removal of this cause of complaint. The sanguinary civil war with which the Republic of Venezuela has for some time past been ravaged has been brought to a close. In its progress the rights of some of our citizens resident or trading there have been violated. The restoration of order will afford the Venezuelan Government an opportunity to examine and redress these grievances and others of longer standing which our representatives at Caracas have hitherto ineffectually urged upon the attention of that Government. The extension of the coast of the United States on the Pacific and the unexampled rapidity with which the inhabitants of California especially are increasing in numbers have imparted new consequence to our relations with the other countries whose territories border upon that ocean. It is probable that the intercourse between those countries and our possessions in that quarter, particularly with the Republic of Chili,  will become extensive and mutually advantageous in proportion as California and Oregon shall increase in population and wealth. It is desirable, therefore, that this Government should do everything in its power to foster and strengthen its relations with those States, and that the spirit of amity between us should be mutual and cordial. I recommend the observance of the same course toward all other American States. The United States stand as the great American power, to which, as their natural ally and friend, they will always be disposed first to look for mediation and assistance in the event of any collision between them and any European nation. As such we may often kindly mediate in their behalf without entangling ourselves in foreign wars or unnecessary controversies. Whenever the faith of our treaties with any of them shall require our interference, we must necessarily interpose. A convention has been negotiated with Brazil providing for the satisfaction of American claims on that Government, and it will be submitted to the Senate. Since the last session of Congress we have received an envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary from that Empire, and our relations with it are rounded upon the most amicable understanding. Your attention is earnestly invited to an amendment of our existing laws relating to the African slave trade with a view to the effectual suppression of that barbarous traffic. It is not to be denied that this trade is still in part carried on by means of vessels built in the United States and owned or navigated by some of our citizens. The correspondence between the Department of State and the minister and consul of the United States at Rio de Janeiro, which has from time to time been laid before Congress, represents that it is a customary device to evade the penalties of our laws by means of sea letters. Vessels sold in Brazil, when provided with such papers by the consul, instead of returning to the United States for a new register proceed at once to the coast of Africa for the purpose of obtaining cargoes of slaves. Much additional information of the same character has recently been transmitted to the Department of State. It has not been considered the policy of our laws to subject an American citizen who in a foreign country purchases a vessel built in the United States to the inconvenience of sending her home for a new register before permitting her to proceed on a voyage. Any alteration of the laws which might have a tendency to impede the free transfer of property in vessels between our citizens, or the free navigation of those vessels between different parts of the world when employed in lawful commerce, should be well and cautiously considered; but I trust that your wisdom will devise a method by which our general policy in this respect may be preserved, and at the same time the abuse of our flag by means of sea letters, in the manner indicated, may be prevented. Having ascertained that there is no prospect of the reunion of the five States of Central America which formerly composed the Republic of that name, we have separately negotiated with some of them treaties of amity and commerce, which will be laid before the Senate. A contract having been concluded with the State of Nicaragua by a company composed of American citizens for the purpose of constructing a ship canal through the territory of that State to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, I have directed the negotiation of a treaty with Nicaragua pledging both Governments to protect those who shall engage in and perfect the work. All other nations are invited by the State of Nicaragua to enter into the same treaty stipulations with her; and the benefit to be derived by each from such an arrangement will be the protection of this great interoceanic communication against any power which might seek to obstruct it or to monopolize its advantages. All States entering into such a treaty will enjoy the right of passage through the canal on payment of the same tolls. The work, if constructed under these guaranties, will become a bond of peace instead of a subject of contention and strife between the nations of the earth. Should the great maritime States of Europe consent to this arrangement (and we have no reason to suppose that a proposition so fair and honorable will be opposed by any), the energies of their people and ours will cooperate in promoting the success of the enterprise. I do not recommend any appropriation from the National Treasury for this purpose, nor do I believe that such an appropriation is necessary. Private enterprise, if properly protected, will complete the work should it prove to be feasible. The parties who have procured the charter from Nicaragua for its construction desire no assistance from this Government beyond its protection; and they profess that, having examined the proposed line of communication, they will be ready to commence the undertaking whenever that protection shall be extended to them. Should there appear to be reason, on examining the whole evidence, to entertain a serious doubt of the practicability of constructing such a canal, that doubt could be speedily solved by an actual exploration of the route. Should such a work be constructed under the common protection of all nations, for equal benefits to all, it would be neither just nor expedient that any great maritime state should command the communication. The territory through which the canal may be opened ought to be freed from the claims of any foreign power. No such power should occupy a position that would enable it hereafter to exercise so controlling an influence over the commerce of the world or to obstruct a highway which ought to be dedicated to the common uses of mankind. The routes across the Isthmus at Tehuantepec and Panama are also worthy of our serious consideration.. They did not fail to engage the attention of my predecessor. The negotiator of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was instructed to offer a very large sum of money for the right of transit across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The Mexican Government did not accede to the proposition for the purchase of the right of way, probably because it had already contracted with private individuals for the construction of a passage from the Guasacualco River to Tehuantepec. I shall not renew any proposition to purchase for money a right which ought to be equally secured to all nations on payment of a reasonable toll to the owners of the improvement, who would doubtless be well contented with that compensation and the guaranties of the maritime states of the world in separate treaties negotiated with Mexico, binding her and them to protect those who should construct the work. Such guaranties would do more to secure the completion of the communication through the territory of Mexico than any other reasonable consideration that could be offered; and as Mexico herself would be the greatest gainer by the opening of this communication between the Gulf and the Pacific Ocean, it is presumed that she would not hesitate to yield her aid in the manner proposed to accomplish an improvement so important to her own best interests. We have reason to hope that the proposed railroad across the Isthmus at Panama will be successfully constructed under the protection of the late treaty with New Granada, ratified and exchanged by my predecessor on the 10th day of June, 1848, which guarantees the perfect neutrality of the Isthmus and the rights of sovereignty and property of New Granada over that territory, "with a view that the free transit from ocean to ocean may not be interrupted or embarrassed" during the existence of the treaty. It is our policy to encourage every practicable route across the isthmus which connects North and South America, either by railroad or canal, which the energy and enterprise of our citizens may induce them to complete, and I consider it obligatory upon me to adopt that policy, especially in consequence of the absolute necessity of facilitating intercourse with our possessions on the Pacific. The position of the Sandwich Islands with reference to the territory of the United States on the Pacific, the success of our persevering and benevolent citizens who have repaired to that remote quarter in Christianizing the natives and inducing them to adopt a system of government and laws suited to their capacity and wants, and the use made by our numerous whale ships of the harbors of the islands as places of resort for obtaining refreshments and repairs all combine to render their destiny peculiarly interesting to us. It is our duty to encourage the authorities of those islands in their efforts to improve and elevate the moral and political condition of the inhabitants, and we should make reasonable allowances for the difficulties inseparable from this task. We desire that the islands may maintain their independence and that other nations should concur with us in this sentiment. We could in no event be indifferent to their passing under the dominion of any other power. The principal commercial states have in this a common interest, and it is to be hoped that no one of them will attempt to interpose obstacles to the entire independence of the islands. The receipts into the Treasury for the fiscal year ending on the 30th of June last were, in cash, $48,830,097.50, and in Treasury notes funded $10,833,000, making an aggregate of $59,663,097.50; and the expenditures for the same time were, in cash, $46,798,667.82, and in Treasury notes funded $10,833,000, making an aggregate of $57,631,667.82. The accounts and estimates which will be submitted to Congress in the report of the Secretary of the Treasury show that there will probably be a deficit occasioned by the expenses of the Mexican War and treaty on the 1st day of July next of $5,828,121.66, and on the 1st day of July, 1851, of $10,547,092.73, making in the whole a probable deficit to be provided for of $16,375,214.39. The extraordinary expenses of the war with Mexico and the purchase of California and New Mexico exceed in amount this deficit, together with the loans heretofore made for those objects. I therefore recommend that authority be given to borrow what ever sum may be necessary to cover that deficit. I recommend the observance of strict economy in the appropriation and expenditure of public money. I recommend a revision of the existing tariff and its adjustment on a basis which may augment the revenue. I do not doubt the right or duty of Congress to encourage domestic industry, which is the great source of national as well as individual wealth and prosperity. I look to the wisdom and patriotism of Congress for the adoption of a system which may place home labor at last on a sure and permanent footing and by due encouragement of manufactures give a new and increased stimulus to agriculture and promote the development of our vast resources and the extension of our commerce. Believing that to the attainment of these ends, as well as the necessary augmentation of the revenue and the prevention of frauds, a system of specific duties is best adapted, I strongly recommend to Congress the adoption of that system, fixing the duties at rates high enough to afford substantial and sufficient encouragement to our own industry and at the same time so adjusted as to insure stability. The question of the continuance of the subtreasury system is respectfully submitted to the wisdom of Congress. If continued, important modifications of it appear to be indispensable. For further details and views on the above and other matters connected with commerce, the finances, and revenue I refer to the report of the Secretary of the Treasury. No direct aid has been given by the General Government to the improvement of agriculture except by the expenditure of small sums for the collection and publication of agricultural statistics and for some chemical analyses, which have been thus far paid for out of the patent fund. This aid is, in my opinion, wholly inadequate. To give to this leading branch of American industry the encouragement which it merits, I respectfully recommend the establishment of an agricultural bureau, to be connected with the Department of the Interior. To elevate the social condition of the agriculturist, to increase his prosperity, and to extend his means of usefulness to his country, by multiplying his sources of information, should be the study of every statesman and a primary object with every legislator. No civil government having been provided by Congress for California, the people of that Territory, impelled by the necessities of their political condition, recently met in convention for the purpose of forming a constitution and State government, which the latest advices give me reason to suppose has been accomplished; and it is believed they will shortly apply for the admission of California into the Union as a sovereign State. Should such be the case, and should their constitution be conformable to the requisitions of the Constitution of the United States, I recommend their application to the favorable consideration of Congress. The people of New Mexico will also, it is believed, at no very distant period present themselves for admission into the Union. Preparatory to the admission of California and New Mexico the people of each will have instituted for themselves a republican form of government, "laying its foundation in such principles and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness." By awaiting their action all causes of uneasiness may be avoided and confidence and kind feeling preserved. With a view of maintaining the harmony and tranquillity so dear to all, we should abstain from the introduction of those exciting topics of a sectional character which have hitherto produced painful apprehensions in the public mind; and I repeat the solemn warning of the first and most illustrious of my predecessors against furnishing "any ground for characterizing parties by geographical discriminations." A collector has been appointed at San Francisco under the act of Congress extending the revenue laws over California, and measures have been taken to organize the custom-houses at that and the other ports mentioned in that act at the earliest period practicable. The collector proceeded overland, and advices have not yet been received of his arrival at San Francisco. Meanwhile, it is understood that the customs have continued to be collected there by officers acting under the military authority, as they were during the Administration of my predecessor. It will, I think, be expedient to confirm the collections thus made, and direct the avails (after such allowances as Congress may think fit to authorize) to be expended within the Territory or to be paid into the Treasury for the purpose of meeting appropriations for the improvement of its rivers and harbors. A party engaged on the coast survey was dispatched to Oregon in January last. According to the latest advices, they had not left California; and directions have been given to them, as soon as they shall have fixed on the sites of the two light-houses and the buoys authorized to be constructed and placed in Oregon, to proceed without delay to make reconnaissance of the most important points on the coast of California, and especially to examine and determine on sites for light-houses on that coast, the speedy erection of which is urgently demanded by our rapidly increasing commerce. I have transferred the Indian agencies from upper Missouri and Council Bluffs to Santa Fe and Salt Lake, and have caused to be appointed subagents in the valleys of the Gila, the Sacramento, and the San Joaquin rivers. Still further legal provisions will be necessary for the effective and successful extension of our system of Indian intercourse over the new territories. I recommend the establishment of a branch mint in California, as it will, in my opinion, afford important facilities to those engaged in mining, as well as to the Government in the disposition of the mineral lands. I also recommend that commissions be organized by Congress to examine and decide upon the validity of the present subsisting land titles in California and New Mexico, and that provision be made for the establishment of offices of surveyor-general in New Mexico, California, and Oregon and for the surveying and bringing into market the public lands in those Territories. Those lands, remote in position and difficult of access, ought to be disposed of on terms liberal to all, but especially favorable to the early emigrants. In order that the situation and character of the principal mineral deposits in California may be ascertained, I recommend that a geological and mineralogical exploration be connected with the linear surveys, and that the mineral lands be divided into small lots suitable for mining and be disposed of by sale or lease, so as to give our citizens an opportunity of procuring a permanent right of property in the soil. This would seem to be as important to the success of mining as of agricultural pursuits. The great mineral wealth of California and the advantages which its ports and harbors and those of Oregon afford to commerce, especially with the islands of the Pacific and Indian oceans and the populous regions of eastern Asia, make it certain that there will arise in a few years large and prosperous communities on our western coast. It therefore becomes important that a line of communication, the best and most expeditious which the nature of the country will admit, should be opened within the territory of the United States from the navigable waters of the Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific. Opinion, as elicited and expressed by two large and respectable conventions lately assembled at St. Louis and Memphis, points to a railroad as that which, if practicable, will best meet the wishes and wants of the country. But while this, if in successful operation, would be a work of great national importance and of a value to the country which it would be difficult to estimate, it ought also to be regarded as an undertaking of vast magnitude and expense, and one which must, if it be indeed practicable, encounter many difficulties in its construction and use. Therefore, to avoid failure and disappointment; to enable Congress to judge whether in the condition of the country through which it must pass the work be feasible, and, if it be found so, whether it should be undertaken as a national improvement or left to individual enterprise, and in the latter alternative what aid, if any, ought to be extended to it by the Government, I recommend as a preliminary measure a careful reconnaissance of the several proposed routes by a scientific corps and a report as to the practicability of making such a road, with an estimate of the cost of its construction and support. For further views on these and other matters connected with the duties of the home department I refer you to the report of the Secretary of the Interior. I recommend early appropriations for continuing the river and harbor improvements which have been already begun, and also for the construction of those for which estimates have been made, as well as for examinations and estimates preparatory to the commencement of such others as the wants of the country, and especially the advance of our population over new districts and the extension of commerce, may render necessary. An estimate of the amount which can be advantageously expended within the next fiscal year under the direction of the Bureau of Topographical Engineers accompanies the report of the Secretary of War, to which I respectfully invite the attention of Congress. The cession of territory made by the late treaty with Mexico has greatly extended our exposed frontier and rendered its defense more difficult. That treaty has also brought us under obligations to Mexico, to comply with which a military force is requisite. But our military establishment is not materially changed as to its efficiency from the condition in which it stood before the commencement of the Mexican War. Some addition to it will therefore be necessary, and I recommend to the favorable consideration of Congress an increase of the several corps of the Army at our distant Western posts, as proposed in the accompanying report of the Secretary of War. Great embarrassment has resulted from the effect upon rank in the Army heretofore given to brevet and staff commissions. The views of the Secretary of War on this subject are deemed important, and if carried into effect will, it is believed, promote the harmony of the service. The plan proposed for retiring disabled officers and providing an asylum for such of the rank and file as from age, wounds, and other infirmities occasioned by service have become unfit to perform their respective duties is recommended as a means of increasing the efficiency of the Army and as an act of justice due from a grateful country to the faithful soldier. The accompanying report of the Secretary of the Navy presents a full and satisfactory account of the condition and operations of the naval service during the past year. Our citizens engaged in the legitimate pursuits of commerce have enjoyed its benefits. Wherever our national vessels have gone they have been received with respect, our officers have been treated with kindness and courtesy, and they have on all occasions pursued a course of strict neutrality, in accordance with the policy of our Government. The naval force at present in commission is as large as is admissible with the number of men authorized by Congress to be employed. I invite your attention to the recommendation of the Secretary of the Navy on the subject of a reorganization of the Navy in its various grades of officers, and the establishing of a retired list for such of the officers as are disqualified for active and effective service. Should Congress adopt some such measure as is recommended, it will greatly increase the efficiency of the Navy and reduce its expenditures. I also ask your attention to the views expressed by him in reference to the employment of war steamers and in regard to the contracts for the transportation of the United States mails and the operation of the system upon the prosperity of the Navy. By an act of Congress passed August 14, 1848, provision was made for extending post-office and mail accommodations to California and Oregon. Exertions have been made to execute that law, but the limited provisions of the act, the inadequacy of the means it authorizes, the ill adaptation of our post-office laws to the situation of that country, and the measure of compensation for services allowed by those laws, compared with the prices of labor and rents in California, render those exertions in a great degree ineffectual. More particular and efficient provision by law is required on this subject. The act of 1845 reducing postage has now, by its operation during four years, produced results fully showing that the income from such reduced postage is sufficient to sustain the whole expense of the service of the Post-Office Department, not including the cost of transportation in mail steamers on the lines from New York to Chagres and from Panama to Astoria, which have not been considered by Congress as properly belonging to the mail service. It is submitted to the wisdom of Congress whether a further reduction of postage should not now be made, more particularly on the letter correspondence. This should be relieved from the unjust burden of transporting and delivering the franked matter of Congress, for which public service provision should be made from the Treasury. I confidently believe that a change may safely be made reducing all single letter postage to the uniform rate of 5 cents, regardless of distance, without thereby imposing any greater tax on the Treasury than would constitute a very moderate compensation for this public service; and I therefore respectfully recommend such a reduction. Should Congress prefer to abolish the franking privilege entirely, it seems probable that no demand on the Treasury would result from the proposed reduction of postage. Whether any further diminution should now be made, or the result of the reduction to 5 cents, which I have recommended, should be first tested, is submitted to your decision. Since the commencement of the last session of Congress a postal treaty with Great Britain has been received and ratified, and such relations have been formed by the post-office departments of the two countries in pursuance of that treaty as to carry its provisions into full operation. The attempt to extend this same arrangement through England to France has not been equally successful, but the purpose has not been abandoned. For a particular statement of the condition of the Post-Office Department and other matters connected with that branch of the public service I refer you to the report of the Postmaster-General. By the act of the 3d of March, 1849, a board was constituted to make arrangements for taking the Seventh Census, composed of the Secretary of State, the Attorney-General, and the Postmaster-General; and it was made the duty of this board "to prepare and cause to be printed such forms and schedules as might be necessary for the full enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States, and also proper forms and schedules for collecting in statistical tables, under proper heads, such information as to mines, agriculture, commerce, manufactures, education, and other topics as would exhibit a full view of the pursuits, industry, education, and resources of the country." The duties enjoined upon the census board thus established having been performed, it now rests with Congress to enact a law for carrying into effect the provision of the Constitution which requires an actual enumeration of the people of the United States within the ensuing year. Among the duties assigned by the Constitution to the General Government is one of local and limited application, but not on that account the less obligatory. I allude to the trust committed to Congress as the exclusive legislator and sole guardian of the interests of the District of Columbia. I beg to commend these interests to your kind attention. As the national metropolis the city of Washington must be an object of general interest; and founded, as it was, under the auspices of him whose immortal name it bears, its claims to the fostering care of Congress present themselves with additional strength. Whatever can contribute to its prosperity must enlist the feelings of its constitutional guardians and command their favorable consideration. Our Government is one of limited powers, and its successful administration eminently depends on the confinement of each of its coordinate branches within its own appropriate sphere. The first section of the Constitution ordains that-- All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. The Executive has authority to recommend (not to dictate) measures to Congress. Having performed that duty, the executive department of the Government can not rightfully control the decision of Congress on any subject of legislation until that decision shall have been officially submitted to the President for approval. The check provided by the Constitution in the clause conferring the qualified veto will never be exercised by me except in the cases contemplated by the fathers of the Republic. I view it as an extreme measure, to be resorted to only in extraordinary cases, as where it may become necessary to defend the executive against the encroachments of the legislative power or to prevent hasty and inconsiderate or unconstitutional legislation. By cautiously confining this remedy within the sphere prescribed to it in the contemporaneous expositions of the framers of the Constitution, the will of the people, legitimately expressed on all subjects of legislation through their constitutional organs, the Senators and Representatives of the United States, will have its full effect. As indispensable to the preservation of our system of self-government, the independence of the representatives of the States and the people is guaranteed by the Constitution, and they owe no responsibility to any human power but their constituents. By holding the representative responsible only to the people, and exempting him from all other influences, we elevate the character of the constituent and quicken his sense of responsibility to his country. It is under these circumstances only that the elector can feel that in the choice of the lawmaker he is himself truly a component part of the sovereign power of the nation. With equal care we should study to defend the rights of the executive and judicial departments. Our Government can only be preserved in its purity by the suppression and entire elimination of every claim or tendency of one coordinate branch to encroachment upon another. With the strict observance of this rule and the other injunctions of the Constitution, with a sedulous inculcation of that respect and love for the Union of the States which our fathers cherished and enjoined upon their children, and with the aid of that overruling Providence which has so long and so kindly guarded our liberties and institutions, we may reasonably expect to transmit them, with their innumerable blessings, to the remotest posterity. But attachment to the Union of the States should be habitually fostered in every American heart. For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory and the object of affection and admiration with everyone worthy to bear the American name. In my judgment its dissolution would be the greatest of calamities, and to avert that should be the study of every American. Upon its preservation must depend our own happiness and that of countless generations to come. Whatever dangers may threaten it, I shall stand by it and maintain it in its integrity to the full extent of the obligations imposed and the powers conferred upon me by the Constitution.
Sixty years have elapsed since the establishment of this Government, and the Congress of the United States again assembles to legislate for an empire of freemen. The predictions of evil prophets, who formerly pretended to foretell the downfall of our institutions, are now remembered only to be derided, and the United States of America at this moment present to the world the most stable and permanent Government on earth. Such is the result of the labors of those who have gone before us. Upon Congress will eminently depend the future maintenance of our system of free government and the transmission of it unimpaired to posterity. We are at peace with all the other nations of the world, and seek to maintain our cherished relations of amity with them. During the past year we have been blessed by a kind Providence with an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and although the destroying angel for a time visited extensive portions of our territory with the ravages of a dreadful pestilence, yet the Almighty has at length deigned to stay his hand and to restore the inestimable blessing of general health to a people who have acknowledged His power, deprecated His wrath, and implored His merciful protection. While enjoying the benefits of amicable intercourse with foreign nations, we have not been insensible to the distractions and wars which have prevailed in other quarters of the world. It is a proper theme of thanksgiving to Him who rules the destinies of nations that we have been able to maintain amidst all these contests an independent and neutral position toward all belligerent powers. Our relations with Great Britain are of the most friendly character. In consequence of the recent alteration of the British navigation acts, British vessels, from British and other foreign ports, will under our existing laws, after the 1st day of January next, be admitted to entry in our ports with cargoes of the growth, manufacture, or production of any part of the world on the same terms as to duties, imposts, and charges as vessels of the United States with their cargoes, and our vessels will be admitted to the same advantages in British ports, entering therein on the same terms as British vessels. Should no order in council disturb this legislative arrangement, the late act of the British Parliament, by which Great Britain is brought within the terms proposed by the act of Congress of the 1st of March, 1817, it is hoped will be productive of benefit to both countries. A slight interruption of diplomatic intercourse which occurred between this Government and France, I am happy to say, has been terminated, and our minister there has been received. It is therefore unnecessary to refer now to the circumstances which led to that interruption. I need not express to you the sincere satisfaction with which we shall welcome the arrival of another envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary from a sister Republic to which we have so long been, and still remain, bound by the strongest ties of amity. Shortly after I had entered upon the discharge of the Executive duties I was apprised that a war steamer belonging to the German Empire was being fitted out in the harbor of New York with the aid of some of our naval officers, rendered under the permission of the late Secretary of the Navy. This permission was granted during an armistice between that Empire and the Kingdom of Denmark, which had been engaged in the Schleswig-Holstein war. Apprehensive that this act of intervention on our part might be viewed as a violation of our neutral obligations incurred by the treaty with Denmark and of the provisions of the act of Congress of the 20th of April, 1818, I directed that no further aid should be rendered by any agent or officer of the Navy; and I instructed the Secretary of State to apprise the minister of the German Empire accredited to this Government of my determination to execute the law of the United States and to maintain the faith of treaties with all nations. The correspondence which ensued between the Department of State and the minister of the German Empire is herewith laid before you. The execution of the law and the observance of the treaty were deemed by me to be due to the honor of the country, as well as to the sacred obligations of the Constitution. I shall not fail to pursue the same course should a similar case arise with any other nation. Having avowed the opinion on taking the oath of office that in disputes between conflicting foreign governments it is our interest not less than our duty to remain strictly neutral, I shall not abandon it. You will perceive from the correspondence submitted to you in connection with this subject that the course adopted in this case has been properly regarded by the belligerent powers interested in the matter. Although a minister of the United States to the German Empire was appointed by my predecessor in August, 1848, and has for a long time been in attendance at Frankfort-on-the-Main, and although a minister appointed to represent that Empire was received and accredited here, yet no such government as that of the German Empire has been definitively constituted. Mr. Donelson, our representative at Frankfort, remained there several months in the expectation that a union of the German States under one constitution or form of government might at length be organized. It is believed by those well acquainted with the existing relations between Prussia and the States of Germany that no such union can be permanently established without her cooperation. In the event of the formation of such a union and the organization of a central power in Germany of which she should form a part, it would become necessary to withdraw our minister at Berlin; but while Prussia exists as an independent kingdom and diplomatic relations are maintained with her there can be no necessity for the continuance of the mission to Frankfort. I have therefore recalled Mr. Donelson and directed the archives of the legation at Frankfort to be transferred to the American legation at Berlin. Having been apprised that a considerable number of adventurers were engaged in fitting out a, military expedition within the United States against a foreign country, and believing from the best information I could obtain that it was destined to invade the island of Cuba, I deemed it due to the friendly relations existing between the United States and Spain, to the treaty between the two nations, to the laws of the United States, and, above all, to the American honor to exert the lawful authority of this Government in suppressing the expedition and preventing the invasion. To this end I issued a proclamation enjoining it upon the officers of the United States, civil and military, to use all lawful means within their power. A copy of that proclamation is herewith submitted. The expedition has been suppressed. So long as the act of Congress of the 20th of April, 1818, which owes its existence to the law of nations and to the policy of Washington himself, shall remain on our statute books, I hold it to be the duty of the Executive faithfully to obey its injunctions. While this expedition was in progress I was informed that a foreigner who claimed our protection had been clandestinely and, as was supposed, forcibly carried off in a vessel from New Orleans to the island of Cuba. I immediately caused such steps to be taken as I thought necessary, in case the information I had received should prove correct, to vindicate the honor of the country and the right of every person seeking an asylum on our soil to the protection of our laws. The person alleged to have been abducted was promptly restored, and the circumstances of the case are now about to undergo investigation before a judicial tribunal. I would respectfully suggest that although the crime charged to have been committed in this case is held odious, as being in conflict with our opinions on the subject of national sovereignty and personal freedom, there is no prohibition of it or punishment for it provided in any act of Congress. The expediency of supplying this defect in our criminal code is therefore recommended to your consideration. I have scrupulously avoided any interference in the wars and contentions which have recently distracted Europe. During the late conflict between Austria and Hungary there seemed to be a prospect that the latter might become an independent nation. However faint that prospect at the time appeared, I thought it my duty, in accordance with the general sentiment of the American people, who deeply sympathized with the Magyar patriots, to stand prepared, upon the contingency of the establishment by her of a permanent government, to be the first to welcome independent Hungary into the family of nations. For this purpose I invested an agent then in Europe with power to declare our willingness promptly to recognize her independence in the event of her ability to sustain it. The powerful intervention of Russia in the contest extinguished the hopes of the struggling Magyars. The United States did not at any time interfere in the contest, but the feelings of the nation were strongly enlisted in the because, and by the sufferings of a brave people, who had made a gallant, though unsuccessful, effort to be free. Our claims upon Portugal have been during the past year prosecuted with renewed vigor, and it has been my object to employ every effort of honorable diplomacy to procure their adjustment. Our late charge d'affaires at Lisbon, the Hon. George W. Hopkins, made able and energetic, but unsuccessful, efforts to settle these unpleasant matters of controversy and to obtain indemnity for the wrongs which were the subjects of complaint. Our present charge' d'affaires at that Court will also bring to the prosecution of these claims ability and zeal. The revolutionary and distracted condition of Portugal in past times has been represented as one of the leading causes of her delay in indemnifying our suffering citizens. But I must now say it is matter of profound regret that these claims have not yet been settled. The omission of Portugal to do justice to the American claimants has now assumed a character so grave and serious that I shall shortly make it the subject of a special message to Congress, with a view to such ultimate action as its wisdom and patriotism may suggest. With Russia, Austria, Prussia, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Italian States we still maintain our accustomed amicable relations. During the recent revolutions in the Papal States our charge d'affaires at Rome has been unable to present his letter of credence, which, indeed, he was directed by my predecessor to withhold until he should receive further orders. Such was the unsettled condition of things in those States that it was not deemed expedient to give him any instructions on the subject of presenting his credential letter different from those with which he had been furnished by the late Administration until the 25th of June last, when, in consequence of the want of accurate information of the exact state of things at that distance from us, he was instructed to exercise his own discretion in presenting himself to the then existing Government if in his judgment sufficiently stable, or, if not, to await further events. Since that period Rome has undergone another revolution, and he abides the establishment of a government sufficiently permanent to justify him in opening diplomatic intercourse with it. With the Republic of Mexico it is our true policy to cultivate the most friendly relations. Since the ratification of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo nothing has occurred of a serious character to disturb them. A faithful observance of the treaty and a sincere respect for her rights can not fail to secure the lasting confidence and friendship of that Republic. The message of my predecessor to the House of Representatives of the 8th of February last, communicating, in compliance with a resolution of that body, a copy of a paper called a protocol, signed at Queretaro on the 30th of May, 1848, by the commissioners of the United States and the minister of foreign affairs of the Mexican Government, having been a subject of correspondence between the Department of State and the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of that Republic accredited to this Government, a transcript of that correspondence is herewith submitted. The commissioner on the part of the United States for marking the boundary between the two Republics, though delayed in reaching San Diego by unforeseen obstacles, arrived at that place within a short period after the time required by the treaty, and was there joined by the commissioner on the part of Mexico. They entered upon their duties, and at the date of the latest intelligence from that quarter some progress had been made in the survey. The expenses incident to the organization of the commission and to its conveyance to the point where its operations were to begin have so much reduced the fund appropriated by Congress that a further sum, to cover the charges which must be incurred during the present fiscal year, will be necessary. The great length of frontier along which the boundary extends, the nature of the adjacent territory, and the difficulty of obtaining supplies except at or near the extremes of the line render it also indispensable that a liberal provision should be made to meet the necessary charges during the fiscal year ending on the 30th of June, 1851. I accordingly recommend this subject to your attention. In the adjustment of the claims of American citizens on Mexico, provided for by the late treaty, the employment of counsel on the part of the Government may become important for the purpose of assisting the commissioners in protecting the interests of the United States. I recommend this subject to the early and favorable consideration of Congress. Complaints have been made in regard to the inefficiency of the means provided by the Government of New Granada for transporting the United States mail across the Isthmus of Panama, pursuant to our postal convention with that Republic of the 6th of March, 1844. Our charge d'affaires at Bogota has been directed to make such representations to the Government of New Granada as will, it is hoped, lead to a prompt removal of this because of complaint. The sanguinary civil war with which the Republic of Venezuela has for some time past been ravaged has been brought to a close. In its progress the rights of some of our citizens resident or trading there have been violated. The restoration of order will afford the Venezuelan Government an opportunity to examine and redress these grievances and others of longer standing which our representatives at Caracas have hitherto ineffectually urged upon the attention of that Government. The extension of the coast of the United States on the Pacific and the unexampled rapidity with which the inhabitants of California especially are increasing in numbers have imparted new consequence to our relations with the other countries whose territories border upon that ocean. It is probable that the intercourse between those countries and our possessions in that quarter, particularly with the Republic of Chili, will become extensive and mutually advantageous in proportion as California and Oregon shall increase in population and wealth. It is desirable, therefore, that this Government should do everything in its power to foster and strengthen its relations with those States, and that the spirit of amity between us should be mutual and cordial. I recommend the observance of the same course toward all other American States. The United States stand as the great American power, to which, as their natural ally and friend, they will always be disposed first to look for mediation and assistance in the event of any collision between them and any European nation. As such we may often kindly mediate in their behalf without entangling ourselves in foreign wars or unnecessary controversies. Whenever the faith of our treaties with any of them shall require our interference, we must necessarily interpose. A convention has been negotiated with Brazil providing for the satisfaction of American claims on that Government, and it will be submitted to the Senate. Since the last session of Congress we have received an envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary from that Empire, and our relations with it are rounded upon the most amicable understanding. Your attention is earnestly invited to an amendment of our existing laws relating to the African slave trade with a view to the effectual suppression of that barbarous traffic. It is not to be denied that this trade is still in part carried on by means of vessels built in the United States and owned or navigated by some of our citizens. The correspondence between the Department of State and the minister and consul of the United States at Rio de Janeiro, which has from time to time been laid before Congress, represents that it is a customary device to evade the penalties of our laws by means of sea letters. Vessels sold in Brazil, when provided with such papers by the consul, instead of returning to the United States for a new register proceed at once to the coast of Africa for the purpose of obtaining cargoes of slaves. Much additional information of the same character has recently been transmitted to the Department of State. It has not been considered the policy of our laws to subject an American citizen who in a foreign country purchases a vessel built in the United States to the inconvenience of sending her home for a new register before permitting her to proceed on a voyage. Any alteration of the laws which might have a tendency to impede the free transfer of property in vessels between our citizens, or the free navigation of those vessels between different parts of the world when employed in lawful commerce, should be well and cautiously considered; but I trust that your wisdom will devise a method by which our general policy in this respect may be preserved, and at the same time the abuse of our flag by means of sea letters, in the manner indicated, may be prevented. Having ascertained that there is no prospect of the reunion of the five States of Central America which formerly composed the Republic of that name, we have separately negotiated with some of them treaties of amity and commerce, which will be laid before the Senate. A contract having been concluded with the State of Nicaragua by a company composed of American citizens for the purpose of constructing a ship canal through the territory of that State to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, I have directed the negotiation of a treaty with Nicaragua pledging both Governments to protect those who shall engage in and perfect the work. All other nations are invited by the State of Nicaragua to enter into the same treaty stipulations with her; and the benefit to be derived by each from such an arrangement will be the protection of this great interoceanic communication against any power which might seek to obstruct it or to monopolize its advantages. All States entering into such a treaty will enjoy the right of passage through the canal on payment of the same tolls. The work, if constructed under these guaranties, will become a bond of peace instead of a subject of contention and strife between the nations of the earth. Should the great maritime States of Europe consent to this arrangement (and we have no reason to suppose that a proposition so fair and honorable will be opposed by any), the energies of their people and ours will cooperate in promoting the success of the enterprise. I do not recommend any appropriation from the National Treasury for this purpose, nor do I believe that such an appropriation is necessary. Private enterprise, if properly protected, will complete the work should it prove to be feasible. The parties who have procured the charter from Nicaragua for its construction desire no assistance from this Government beyond its protection; and they profess that, having examined the proposed line of communication, they will be ready to commence the undertaking whenever that protection shall be extended to them. Should there appear to be reason, on examining the whole evidence, to entertain a serious doubt of the practicability of constructing such a canal, that doubt could be speedily solved by an actual exploration of the route. Should such a work be constructed under the common protection of all nations, for equal benefits to all, it would be neither just nor expedient that any great maritime state should command the communication. The territory through which the canal may be opened ought to be freed from the claims of any foreign power. No such power should occupy a position that would enable it hereafter to exercise so controlling an influence over the commerce of the world or to obstruct a highway which ought to be dedicated to the common uses of mankind. The routes across the Isthmus at Tehuantepec and Panama are also worthy of our serious consideration.. They did not fail to engage the attention of my predecessor. The negotiator of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was instructed to offer a very large sum of money for the right of transit across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The Mexican Government did not accede to the proposition for the purchase of the right of way, probably because it had already contracted with private individuals for the construction of a passage from the Guasacualco River to Tehuantepec. I shall not renew any proposition to purchase for money a right which ought to be equally secured to all nations on payment of a reasonable toll to the owners of the improvement, who would doubtless be well contented with that compensation and the guaranties of the maritime states of the world in separate treaties negotiated with Mexico, binding her and them to protect those who should construct the work. Such guaranties would do more to secure the completion of the communication through the territory of Mexico than any other reasonable consideration that could be offered; and as Mexico herself would be the greatest gainer by the opening of this communication between the Gulf and the Pacific Ocean, it is presumed that she would not hesitate to yield her aid in the manner proposed to accomplish an improvement so important to her own best interests. We have reason to hope that the proposed railroad across the Isthmus at Panama will be successfully constructed under the protection of the late treaty with New Granada, ratified and exchanged by my predecessor on the 10th day of June, 1848, which guarantees the perfect neutrality of the Isthmus and the rights of sovereignty and property of New Granada over that territory, "with a view that the free transit from ocean to ocean may not be interrupted or embarrassed" during the existence of the treaty. It is our policy to encourage every practicable route across the isthmus which connects North and South America, either by railroad or canal, which the energy and enterprise of our citizens may induce them to complete, and I consider it obligatory upon me to adopt that policy, especially in consequence of the absolute necessity of facilitating intercourse with our possessions on the Pacific. The position of the Sandwich Islands with reference to the territory of the United States on the Pacific, the success of our persevering and benevolent citizens who have repaired to that remote quarter in Christianizing the natives and inducing them to adopt a system of government and laws suited to their capacity and wants, and the use made by our numerous whale ships of the harbors of the islands as places of resort for obtaining refreshments and repairs all combine to render their destiny peculiarly interesting to us. It is our duty to encourage the authorities of those islands in their efforts to improve and elevate the moral and political condition of the inhabitants, and we should make reasonable allowances for the difficulties inseparable from this task. We desire that the islands may maintain their independence and that other nations should concur with us in this sentiment. We could in no event be indifferent to their passing under the dominion of any other power. The principal commercial states have in this a common interest, and it is to be hoped that no one of them will attempt to interpose obstacles to the entire independence of the islands. The receipts into the Treasury for the fiscal year ending on the 30th of June last were, in cash, $48,830,097.50, and in Treasury notes funded $10,833,000, making an aggregate of $59,663,097.50; and the expenditures for the same time were, in cash, $46,798,667.82, and in Treasury notes funded $10,833,000, making an aggregate of $57,631,667.82. The accounts and estimates which will be submitted to Congress in the report of the Secretary of the Treasury show that there will probably be a deficit occasioned by the expenses of the Mexican War and treaty on the 1st day of July next of $5,828,121.66, and on the 1st day of July, 1851, of $10,547,092.73, making in the whole a probable deficit to be provided for of $16,375,214.39. The extraordinary expenses of the war with Mexico and the purchase of California and New Mexico exceed in amount this deficit, together with the loans heretofore made for those objects. I therefore recommend that authority be given to borrow what ever sum may be necessary to cover that deficit. I recommend the observance of strict economy in the appropriation and expenditure of public money. I recommend a revision of the existing tariff and its adjustment on a basis which may augment the revenue. I do not doubt the right or duty of Congress to encourage domestic industry, which is the great source of national as well as individual wealth and prosperity. I look to the wisdom and patriotism of Congress for the adoption of a system which may place home labor at last on a sure and permanent footing and by due encouragement of manufactures give a new and increased stimulus to agriculture and promote the development of our vast resources and the extension of our commerce. Believing that to the attainment of these ends, as well as the necessary augmentation of the revenue and the prevention of frauds, a system of specific duties is best adapted, I strongly recommend to Congress the adoption of that system, fixing the duties at rates high enough to afford substantial and sufficient encouragement to our own industry and at the same time so adjusted as to insure stability. The question of the continuance of the subtreasury system is respectfully submitted to the wisdom of Congress. If continued, important modifications of it appear to be indispensable. For further details and views on the above and other matters connected with commerce, the finances, and revenue I refer to the report of the Secretary of the Treasury. No direct aid has been given by the General Government to the improvement of agriculture except by the expenditure of small sums for the collection and publication of agricultural statistics and for some chemical analyses, which have been thus far paid for out of the patent fund. This aid is, in my opinion, wholly inadequate. To give to this leading branch of American industry the encouragement which it merits, I respectfully recommend the establishment of an agricultural bureau, to be connected with the Department of the Interior. To elevate the social condition of the agriculturist, to increase his prosperity, and to extend his means of usefulness to his country, by multiplying his sources of information, should be the study of every statesman and a primary object with every legislator. No civil government having been provided by Congress for California, the people of that Territory, impelled by the necessities of their political condition, recently met in convention for the purpose of forming a constitution and State government, which the latest advices give me reason to suppose has been accomplished; and it is believed they will shortly apply for the admission of California into the Union as a sovereign State. Should such be the case, and should their constitution be conformable to the requisitions of the Constitution of the United States, I recommend their application to the favorable consideration of Congress. The people of New Mexico will also, it is believed, at no very distant period present themselves for admission into the Union. Preparatory to the admission of California and New Mexico the people of each will have instituted for themselves a republican form of government, "laying its foundation in such principles and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness." By awaiting their action all causes of uneasiness may be avoided and confidence and kind feeling preserved. With a view of maintaining the harmony and tranquillity so dear to all, we should abstain from the introduction of those exciting topics of a sectional character which have hitherto produced painful apprehensions in the public mind; and I repeat the solemn warning of the first and most illustrious of my predecessors against furnishing "any ground for characterizing parties by geographical discriminations." A collector has been appointed at San Francisco under the act of Congress extending the revenue laws over California, and measures have been taken to organize the custom-houses at that and the other ports mentioned in that act at the earliest period practicable. The collector proceeded overland, and advices have not yet been received of his arrival at San Francisco. Meanwhile, it is understood that the customs have continued to be collected there by officers acting under the military authority, as they were during the Administration of my predecessor. It will, I think, be expedient to confirm the collections thus made, and direct the avails (after such allowances as Congress may think fit to authorize) to be expended within the Territory or to be paid into the Treasury for the purpose of meeting appropriations for the improvement of its rivers and harbors. A party engaged on the coast survey was dispatched to Oregon in January last. According to the latest advices, they had not left California; and directions have been given to them, as soon as they shall have fixed on the sites of the two light-houses and the buoys authorized to be constructed and placed in Oregon, to proceed without delay to make reconnaissance of the most important points on the coast of California, and especially to examine and determine on sites for light-houses on that coast, the speedy erection of which is urgently demanded by our rapidly increasing commerce. I have transferred the Indian agencies from upper Missouri and Council Bluffs to Santa Fe and Salt Lake, and have caused to be appointed subagents in the valleys of the Gila, the Sacramento, and the San Joaquin rivers. Still further legal provisions will be necessary for the effective and successful extension of our system of Indian intercourse over the new territories. I recommend the establishment of a branch mint in California, as it will, in my opinion, afford important facilities to those engaged in mining, as well as to the Government in the disposition of the mineral lands. I also recommend that commissions be organized by Congress to examine and decide upon the validity of the present subsisting land titles in California and New Mexico, and that provision be made for the establishment of offices of surveyor-general in New Mexico, California, and Oregon and for the surveying and bringing into market the public lands in those Territories. Those lands, remote in position and difficult of access, ought to be disposed of on terms liberal to all, but especially favorable to the early emigrants. In order that the situation and character of the principal mineral deposits in California may be ascertained, I recommend that a geological and mineralogical exploration be connected with the linear surveys, and that the mineral lands be divided into small lots suitable for mining and be disposed of by sale or lease, so as to give our citizens an opportunity of procuring a permanent right of property in the soil. This would seem to be as important to the success of mining as of agricultural pursuits. The great mineral wealth of California and the advantages which its ports and harbors and those of Oregon afford to commerce, especially with the islands of the Pacific and Indian oceans and the populous regions of eastern Asia, make it certain that there will arise in a few years large and prosperous communities on our western coast. It therefore becomes important that a line of communication, the best and most expeditious which the nature of the country will admit, should be opened within the territory of the United States from the navigable waters of the Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific. Opinion, as elicited and expressed by two large and respectable conventions lately assembled at St. Louis and Memphis, points to a railroad as that which, if practicable, will best meet the wishes and wants of the country. But while this, if in successful operation, would be a work of great national importance and of a value to the country which it would be difficult to estimate, it ought also to be regarded as an undertaking of vast magnitude and expense, and one which must, if it be indeed practicable, encounter many difficulties in its construction and use. Therefore, to avoid failure and disappointment; to enable Congress to judge whether in the condition of the country through which it must pass the work be feasible, and, if it be found so, whether it should be undertaken as a national improvement or left to individual enterprise, and in the latter alternative what aid, if any, ought to be extended to it by the Government, I recommend as a preliminary measure a careful reconnaissance of the several proposed routes by a scientific corps and a report as to the practicability of making such a road, with an estimate of the cost of its construction and support. For further views on these and other matters connected with the duties of the home department I refer you to the report of the Secretary of the Interior. I recommend early appropriations for continuing the river and harbor improvements which have been already begun, and also for the construction of those for which estimates have been made, as well as for examinations and estimates preparatory to the commencement of such others as the wants of the country, and especially the advance of our population over new districts and the extension of commerce, may render necessary. An estimate of the amount which can be advantageously expended within the next fiscal year under the direction of the Bureau of Topographical Engineers accompanies the report of the Secretary of War, to which I respectfully invite the attention of Congress. The cession of territory made by the late treaty with Mexico has greatly extended our exposed frontier and rendered its defense more difficult. That treaty has also brought us under obligations to Mexico, to comply with which a military force is requisite. But our military establishment is not materially changed as to its efficiency from the condition in which it stood before the commencement of the Mexican War. Some addition to it will therefore be necessary, and I recommend to the favorable consideration of Congress an increase of the several corps of the Army at our distant Western posts, as proposed in the accompanying report of the Secretary of War. Great embarrassment has resulted from the effect upon rank in the Army heretofore given to brevet and staff commissions. The views of the Secretary of War on this subject are deemed important, and if carried into effect will, it is believed, promote the harmony of the service. The plan proposed for retiring disabled officers and providing an asylum for such of the rank and file as from age, wounds, and other infirmities occasioned by service have become unfit to perform their respective duties is recommended as a means of increasing the efficiency of the Army and as an act of justice due from a grateful country to the faithful soldier. The accompanying report of the Secretary of the Navy presents a full and satisfactory account of the condition and operations of the naval service during the past year. Our citizens engaged in the legitimate pursuits of commerce have enjoyed its benefits. Wherever our national vessels have gone they have been received with respect, our officers have been treated with kindness and courtesy, and they have on all occasions pursued a course of strict neutrality, in accordance with the policy of our Government. The naval force at present in commission is as large as is admissible with the number of men authorized by Congress to be employed. I invite your attention to the recommendation of the Secretary of the Navy on the subject of a reorganization of the Navy in its various grades of officers, and the establishing of a retired list for such of the officers as are disqualified for active and effective service. Should Congress adopt some such measure as is recommended, it will greatly increase the efficiency of the Navy and reduce its expenditures. I also ask your attention to the views expressed by him in reference to the employment of war steamers and in regard to the contracts for the transportation of the United States mails and the operation of the system upon the prosperity of the Navy. By an act of Congress passed August 14, 1848, provision was made for extending post-office and mail accommodations to California and Oregon. Exertions have been made to execute that law, but the limited provisions of the act, the inadequacy of the means it authorizes, the ill adaptation of our post-office laws to the situation of that country, and the measure of compensation for services allowed by those laws, compared with the prices of labor and rents in California, render those exertions in a great degree ineffectual. More particular and efficient provision by law is required on this subject. The act of 1845 reducing postage has now, by its operation during four years, produced results fully showing that the income from such reduced postage is sufficient to sustain the whole expense of the service of the Post-Office Department, not including the cost of transportation in mail steamers on the lines from New York to Chagres and from Panama to Astoria, which have not been considered by Congress as properly belonging to the mail service. It is submitted to the wisdom of Congress whether a further reduction of postage should not now be made, more particularly on the letter correspondence. This should be relieved from the unjust burden of transporting and delivering the franked matter of Congress, for which public service provision should be made from the Treasury. I confidently believe that a change may safely be made reducing all single letter postage to the uniform rate of 5 cents, regardless of distance, without thereby imposing any greater tax on the Treasury than would constitute a very moderate compensation for this public service; and I therefore respectfully recommend such a reduction. Should Congress prefer to abolish the franking privilege entirely, it seems probable that no demand on the Treasury would result from the proposed reduction of postage. Whether any further diminution should now be made, or the result of the reduction to 5 cents, which I have recommended, should be first tested, is submitted to your decision. Since the commencement of the last session of Congress a postal treaty with Great Britain has been received and ratified, and such relations have been formed by the post-office departments of the two countries in pursuance of that treaty as to carry its provisions into full operation. The attempt to extend this same arrangement through England to France has not been equally successful, but the purpose has not been abandoned. For a particular statement of the condition of the Post-Office Department and other matters connected with that branch of the public service I refer you to the report of the Postmaster-General. By the act of the 3d of March, 1849, a board was constituted to make arrangements for taking the Seventh Census, composed of the Secretary of State, the Attorney-General, and the Postmaster-General; and it was made the duty of this board "to prepare and because to be printed such forms and schedules as might be necessary for the full enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States, and also proper forms and schedules for collecting in statistical tables, under proper heads, such information as to mines, agriculture, commerce, manufactures, education, and other topics as would exhibit a full view of the pursuits, industry, education, and resources of the country." The duties enjoined upon the census board thus established having been performed, it now rests with Congress to enact a law for carrying into effect the provision of the Constitution which requires an actual enumeration of the people of the United States within the ensuing year. Among the duties assigned by the Constitution to the General Government is one of local and limited application, but not on that account the less obligatory. I allude to the trust committed to Congress as the exclusive legislator and sole guardian of the interests of the District of Columbia. I beg to commend these interests to your kind attention. As the national metropolis the city of Washington must be an object of general interest; and founded, as it was, under the auspices of him whose immortal name it bears, its claims to the fostering care of Congress present themselves with additional strength. Whatever can contribute to its prosperity must enlist the feelings of its constitutional guardians and command their favorable consideration. Our Government is one of limited powers, and its successful administration eminently depends on the confinement of each of its coordinate branches within its own appropriate sphere. The first section of the Constitution ordains that-- All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. The Executive has authority to recommend (not to dictate) measures to Congress. Having performed that duty, the executive department of the Government can not rightfully control the decision of Congress on any subject of legislation until that decision shall have been officially submitted to the President for approval. The check provided by the Constitution in the clause conferring the qualified veto will never be exercised by me except in the cases contemplated by the fathers of the Republic. I view it as an extreme measure, to be resorted to only in extraordinary cases, as where it may become necessary to defend the executive against the encroachments of the legislative power or to prevent hasty and inconsiderate or unconstitutional legislation. By cautiously confining this remedy within the sphere prescribed to it in the contemporaneous expositions of the framers of the Constitution, the will of the people, legitimately expressed on all subjects of legislation through their constitutional organs, the Senators and Representatives of the United States, will have its full effect. As indispensable to the preservation of our system of self-government, the independence of the representatives of the States and the people is guaranteed by the Constitution, and they owe no responsibility to any human power but their constituents. By holding the representative responsible only to the people, and exempting him from all other influences, we elevate the character of the constituent and quicken his sense of responsibility to his country. It is under these circumstances only that the elector can feel that in the choice of the lawmaker he is himself truly a component part of the sovereign power of the nation. With equal care we should study to defend the rights of the executive and judicial departments. Our Government can only be preserved in its purity by the suppression and entire elimination of every claim or tendency of one coordinate branch to encroachment upon another. With the strict observance of this rule and the other injunctions of the Constitution, with a sedulous inculcation of that respect and love for the Union of the States which our fathers cherished and enjoined upon their children, and with the aid of that overruling Providence which has so long and so kindly guarded our liberties and institutions, we may reasonably expect to transmit them, with their innumerable blessings, to the remotest posterity. But attachment to the Union of the States should be habitually fostered in every American heart. For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory and the object of affection and admiration with everyone worthy to bear the American name. In my judgment its dissolution would be the greatest of calamities, and to avert that should be the study of every American. Upon its preservation must depend our own happiness and that of countless generations to come. Whatever dangers may threaten it, I shall stand by it and maintain it in its integrity to the full extent of the obligations imposed and the powers conferred upon me by the Constitution.
sixty years have elapsed since the establishment of this government and the congress of the united states again assembles to legislate for an empire of freemen the predictions of evil prophets who formerly pretended to foretell the downfall of our institutions are now remembered only to be derided and the united states of america at this moment present to the world the most stable and permanent government on earth such is the result of the labors of those who have gone before us upon congress will eminently depend the future maintenance of our system of free government and the transmission of it unimpaired to posterity we are at peace with all the other nations of the world and seek to maintain our cherished relations of amity with them during the past year we have been blessed by a kind providence with an abundance of the fruits of the earth and although the destroying angel for a time visited extensive portions of our territory with the ravages of a dreadful pestilence yet the almighty has at length deigned to stay his hand and to restore the inestimable blessing of general health to a people who have acknowledged his power deprecated his wrath and implored his merciful protection while enjoying the benefits of amicable intercourse with foreign nations we have not been insensible to the distractions and wars which have prevailed in other quarters of the world it is a proper theme of thanksgiving to him who rules the destinies of nations that we have been able to maintain amidst all these contests an independent and neutral position toward all belligerent powers our relations with great britain are of the most friendly character in consequence of the recent alteration of the british navigation acts british vessels from british and other foreign ports will under our existing laws after the 1st day of january next be admitted to entry in our ports with cargoes of the growth manufacture or production of any part of the world on the same terms as to duties imposts and charges as vessels of the united states with their cargoes and our vessels will be admitted to the same advantages in british ports entering therein on the same terms as british vessels should no order in council disturb this legislative arrangement the late act of the british parliament by which great britain is brought within the terms proposed by the act of congress of the 1st of march 1817 it is hoped will be productive of benefit to both countries a slight interruption of diplomatic intercourse which occurred between this government and france i am happy to say has been terminated and our minister there has been received it is therefore unnecessary to refer now to the circumstances which led to that interruption i need not express to you the sincere satisfaction with which we shall welcome the arrival of another envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary from a sister republic to which we have so long been and still remain bound by the strongest ties of amity shortly after i had entered upon the discharge of the executive duties i was apprised that a war steamer belonging to the german empire was being fitted out in the harbor of new york with the aid of some of our naval officers rendered under the permission of the late secretary of the navy this permission was granted during an armistice between that empire and the kingdom of denmark which had been engaged in the war apprehensive that this act of intervention on our part might be viewed as a violation of our neutral obligations incurred by the treaty with denmark and of the provisions of the act of congress of the 20th of april 1818 i directed that no further aid should be rendered by any agent or officer of the navy and i instructed the secretary of state to apprise the minister of the german empire accredited to this government of my determination to execute the law of the united states and to maintain the faith of treaties with all nations the correspondence which ensued between the department of state and the minister of the german empire is herewith laid before you the execution of the law and the observance of the treaty were deemed by me to be due to the honor of the country as well as to the sacred obligations of the constitution i shall not fail to pursue the same course should a similar case arise with any other nation having avowed the opinion on taking the oath of office that in disputes between conflicting foreign governments it is our interest not less than our duty to remain strictly neutral i shall not abandon it you will perceive from the correspondence submitted to you in connection with this subject that the course adopted in this case has been properly regarded by the belligerent powers interested in the matter although a minister of the united states to the german empire was appointed by my predecessor in august 1848 and has for a long time been in attendance at and although a minister appointed to represent that empire was received and accredited here yet no such government as that of the german empire has been definitively constituted donelson our representative at frankfort remained there several months in the expectation that a union of the german states under one constitution or form of government might at length be organized it is believed by those well acquainted with the existing relations between prussia and the states of germany that no such union can be permanently established without her cooperation in the event of the formation of such a union and the organization of a central power in germany of which she should form a part it would become necessary to withdraw our minister at berlin but while prussia exists as an independent kingdom and diplomatic relations are maintained with her there can be no necessity for the continuance of the mission to frankfort i have therefore recalled donelson and directed the archives of the legation at frankfort to be transferred to the american legation at berlin having been apprised that a considerable number of adventurers were engaged in fitting out a military expedition within the united states against a foreign country and believing from the best information i could obtain that it was destined to invade the island of cuba i deemed it due to the friendly relations existing between the united states and spain to the treaty between the two nations to the laws of the united states and above all to the american honor to exert the lawful authority of this government in suppressing the expedition and preventing the invasion to this end i issued a proclamation enjoining it upon the officers of the united states civil and military to use all lawful means within their power a copy of that proclamation is herewith submitted the expedition has been suppressed so long as the act of congress of the 20th of april 1818 which owes its existence to the law of nations and to the policy of washington himself shall remain on our statute books i hold it to be the duty of the executive faithfully to obey its injunctions while this expedition was in progress i was informed that a foreigner who claimed our protection had been clandestinely and as was supposed forcibly carried off in a vessel from new orleans to the island of cuba i immediately caused such steps to be taken as i thought necessary in case the information i had received should prove correct to vindicate the honor of the country and the right of every person seeking an asylum on our soil to the protection of our laws the person alleged to have been abducted was promptly restored and the circumstances of the case are now about to undergo investigation before a judicial tribunal i would respectfully suggest that although the crime charged to have been committed in this case is held odious as being in conflict with our opinions on the subject of national sovereignty and personal freedom there is no prohibition of it or punishment for it provided in any act of congress the expediency of supplying this defect in our criminal code is therefore recommended to your consideration i have scrupulously avoided any interference in the wars and contentions which have recently distracted europe during the late conflict between austria and hungary there seemed to be a prospect that the latter might become an independent nation however faint that prospect at the time appeared i thought it my duty in accordance with the general sentiment of the american people who deeply sympathized with the magyar patriots to stand prepared upon the contingency of the establishment by her of a permanent government to be the first to welcome independent hungary into the family of nations for this purpose i invested an agent then in europe with power to declare our willingness promptly to recognize her independence in the event of her ability to sustain it the powerful intervention of russia in the contest extinguished the hopes of the struggling magyars the united states did not at any time interfere in the contest but the feelings of the nation were strongly enlisted in the because and by the sufferings of a brave people who had made a gallant though unsuccessful effort to be free our claims upon portugal have been during the past year prosecuted with renewed vigor and it has been my object to employ every effort of honorable diplomacy to procure their adjustment our late charge at lisbon the hon george hopkins made able and energetic but unsuccessful efforts to settle these unpleasant matters of controversy and to obtain indemnity for the wrongs which were the subjects of complaint our present charge at that court will also bring to the prosecution of these claims ability and zeal the revolutionary and distracted condition of portugal in past times has been represented as one of the leading causes of her delay in indemnifying our suffering citizens but i must now say it is matter of profound regret that these claims have not yet been settled the omission of portugal to do justice to the american claimants has now assumed a character so grave and serious that i shall shortly make it the subject of a special message to congress with a view to such ultimate action as its wisdom and patriotism may suggest with russia austria prussia sweden denmark belgium the netherlands and the italian states we still maintain our accustomed amicable relations during the recent revolutions in the papal states our charge at rome has been unable to present his letter of credence which indeed he was directed by my predecessor to withhold until he should receive further orders such was the unsettled condition of things in those states that it was not deemed expedient to give him any instructions on the subject of presenting his credential letter different from those with which he had been furnished by the late administration until the 25th of june last when in consequence of the want of accurate information of the exact state of things at that distance from us he was instructed to exercise his own discretion in presenting himself to the then existing government if in his judgment sufficiently stable or if not to await further events since that period rome has undergone another revolution and he abides the establishment of a government sufficiently permanent to justify him in opening diplomatic intercourse with it with the republic of mexico it is our true policy to cultivate the most friendly relations since the ratification of the treaty of guadalupe hidalgo nothing has occurred of a serious character to disturb them a faithful observance of the treaty and a sincere respect for her rights can not fail to secure the lasting confidence and friendship of that republic the message of my predecessor to the house of representatives of the 8th of february last communicating in compliance with a resolution of that body a copy of a paper called a protocol signed at queretaro on the 30th of may 1848 by the commissioners of the united states and the minister of foreign affairs of the mexican government having been a subject of correspondence between the department of state and the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of that republic accredited to this government a transcript of that correspondence is herewith submitted the commissioner on the part of the united states for marking the boundary between the two republics though delayed in reaching san diego by unforeseen obstacles arrived at that place within a short period after the time required by the treaty and was there joined by the commissioner on the part of mexico they entered upon their duties and at the date of the latest intelligence from that quarter some progress had been made in the survey the expenses incident to the organization of the commission and to its conveyance to the point where its operations were to begin have so much reduced the fund appropriated by congress that a further sum to cover the charges which must be incurred during the present fiscal year will be necessary the great length of frontier along which the boundary extends the nature of the adjacent territory and the difficulty of obtaining supplies except at or near the extremes of the line render it also indispensable that a liberal provision should be made to meet the necessary charges during the fiscal year ending on the 30th of june 1851 i accordingly recommend this subject to your attention in the adjustment of the claims of american citizens on mexico provided for by the late treaty the employment of counsel on the part of the government may become important for the purpose of assisting the commissioners in protecting the interests of the united states i recommend this subject to the early and favorable consideration of congress complaints have been made in regard to the inefficiency of the means provided by the government of new granada for transporting the united states mail across the isthmus of panama pursuant to our postal convention with that republic of the 6th of march 1844 our charge at bogota has been directed to make such representations to the government of new granada as will it is hoped lead to a prompt removal of this because of complaint the sanguinary civil war with which the republic of venezuela has for some time past been ravaged has been brought to a close in its progress the rights of some of our citizens resident or trading there have been violated the restoration of order will afford the venezuelan government an opportunity to examine and redress these grievances and others of longer standing which our representatives at caracas have hitherto ineffectually urged upon the attention of that government the extension of the coast of the united states on the pacific and the unexampled rapidity with which the inhabitants of california especially are increasing in numbers have imparted new consequence to our relations with the other countries whose territories border upon that ocean it is probable that the intercourse between those countries and our possessions in that quarter particularly with the republic of chili will become extensive and mutually advantageous in proportion as california and oregon shall increase in population and wealth it is desirable therefore that this government should do everything in its power to foster and strengthen its relations with those states and that the spirit of amity between us should be mutual and cordial i recommend the observance of the same course toward all other american states the united states stand as the great american power to which as their natural ally and friend they will always be disposed first to look for mediation and assistance in the event of any collision between them and any european nation as such we may often kindly mediate in their behalf without entangling ourselves in foreign wars or unnecessary controversies whenever the faith of our treaties with any of them shall require our interference we must necessarily interpose a convention has been negotiated with brazil providing for the satisfaction of american claims on that government and it will be submitted to the senate since the last session of congress we have received an envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary from that empire and our relations with it are rounded upon the most amicable understanding your attention is earnestly invited to an amendment of our existing laws relating to the african slave trade with a view to the effectual suppression of that barbarous traffic it is not to be denied that this trade is still in part carried on by means of vessels built in the united states and owned or navigated by some of our citizens the correspondence between the department of state and the minister and consul of the united states at rio de janeiro which has from time to time been laid before congress represents that it is a customary device to evade the penalties of our laws by means of sea letters vessels sold in brazil when provided with such papers by the consul instead of returning to the united states for a new register proceed at once to the coast of africa for the purpose of obtaining cargoes of slaves much additional information of the same character has recently been transmitted to the department of state it has not been considered the policy of our laws to subject an american citizen who in a foreign country purchases a vessel built in the united states to the inconvenience of sending her home for a new register before permitting her to proceed on a voyage any alteration of the laws which might have a tendency to impede the free transfer of property in vessels between our citizens or the free navigation of those vessels between different parts of the world when employed in lawful commerce should be well and cautiously considered but i trust that your wisdom will devise a method by which our general policy in this respect may be preserved and at the same time the abuse of our flag by means of sea letters in the manner indicated may be prevented having ascertained that there is no prospect of the reunion of the five states of central america which formerly composed the republic of that name we have separately negotiated with some of them treaties of amity and commerce which will be laid before the senate a contract having been concluded with the state of nicaragua by a company composed of american citizens for the purpose of constructing a ship canal through the territory of that state to connect the atlantic and pacific oceans i have directed the negotiation of a treaty with nicaragua pledging both governments to protect those who shall engage in and perfect the work all other nations are invited by the state of nicaragua to enter into the same treaty stipulations with her and the benefit to be derived by each from such an arrangement will be the protection of this great interoceanic communication against any power which might seek to obstruct it or to monopolize its advantages all states entering into such a treaty will enjoy the right of passage through the canal on payment of the same tolls the work if constructed under these guaranties will become a bond of peace instead of a subject of contention and strife between the nations of the earth should the great maritime states of europe consent to this arrangement and we have no reason to suppose that a proposition so fair and honorable will be opposed by any the energies of their people and ours will cooperate in promoting the success of the enterprise i do not recommend any appropriation from the national treasury for this purpose nor do i believe that such an appropriation is necessary private enterprise if properly protected will complete the work should it prove to be feasible the parties who have procured the charter from nicaragua for its construction desire no assistance from this government beyond its protection and they profess that having examined the proposed line of communication they will be ready to commence the undertaking whenever that protection shall be extended to them should there appear to be reason on examining the whole evidence to entertain a serious doubt of the practicability of constructing such a canal that doubt could be speedily solved by an actual exploration of the route should such a work be constructed under the common protection of all nations for equal benefits to all it would be neither just nor expedient that any great maritime state should command the communication the territory through which the canal may be opened ought to be freed from the claims of any foreign power no such power should occupy a position that would enable it hereafter to exercise so controlling an influence over the commerce of the world or to obstruct a highway which ought to be dedicated to the common uses of mankind the routes across the isthmus at tehuantepec and panama are also worthy of our serious consideration they did not fail to engage the attention of my predecessor the negotiator of the treaty of guadalupe hidalgo was instructed to offer a very large sum of money for the right of transit across the isthmus of tehuantepec the mexican government did not accede to the proposition for the purchase of the right of way probably because it had already contracted with private individuals for the construction of a passage from the guasacualco river to tehuantepec i shall not renew any proposition to purchase for money a right which ought to be equally secured to all nations on payment of a reasonable toll to the owners of the improvement who would doubtless be well contented with that compensation and the guaranties of the maritime states of the world in separate treaties negotiated with mexico binding her and them to protect those who should construct the work such guaranties would do more to secure the completion of the communication through the territory of mexico than any other reasonable consideration that could be offered and as mexico herself would be the greatest gainer by the opening of this communication between the gulf and the pacific ocean it is presumed that she would not hesitate to yield her aid in the manner proposed to accomplish an improvement so important to her own best interests we have reason to hope that the proposed railroad across the isthmus at panama will be successfully constructed under the protection of the late treaty with new granada ratified and exchanged by my predecessor on the 10th day of june 1848 which guarantees the perfect neutrality of the isthmus and the rights of sovereignty and property of new granada over that territory with a view that the free transit from ocean to ocean may not be interrupted or embarrassed during the existence of the treaty it is our policy to encourage every practicable route across the isthmus which connects north and south america either by railroad or canal which the energy and enterprise of our citizens may induce them to complete and i consider it obligatory upon me to adopt that policy especially in consequence of the absolute necessity of facilitating intercourse with our possessions on the pacific the position of the sandwich islands with reference to the territory of the united states on the pacific the success of our persevering and benevolent citizens who have repaired to that remote quarter in christianizing the natives and inducing them to adopt a system of government and laws suited to their capacity and wants and the use made by our numerous whale ships of the harbors of the islands as places of resort for obtaining refreshments and repairs all combine to render their destiny peculiarly interesting to us it is our duty to encourage the authorities of those islands in their efforts to improve and elevate the moral and political condition of the inhabitants and we should make reasonable allowances for the difficulties inseparable from this task we desire that the islands may maintain their independence and that other nations should concur with us in this sentiment we could in no event be indifferent to their passing under the dominion of any other power the principal commercial states have in this a common interest and it is to be hoped that no one of them will attempt to interpose obstacles to the entire independence of the islands the receipts into the treasury for the fiscal year ending on the 30th of june last were in cash and in treasury notes funded making an aggregate of and the expenditures for the same time were in cash and in treasury notes funded making an aggregate of the accounts and estimates which will be submitted to congress in the report of the secretary of the treasury show that there will probably be a deficit occasioned by the expenses of the mexican war and treaty on the 1st day of july next of and on the 1st day of july 1851 of making in the whole a probable deficit to be provided for of the extraordinary expenses of the war with mexico and the purchase of california and new mexico exceed in amount this deficit together with the loans heretofore made for those objects i therefore recommend that authority be given to borrow what ever sum may be necessary to cover that deficit i recommend the observance of strict economy in the appropriation and expenditure of public money i recommend a revision of the existing tariff and its adjustment on a basis which may augment the revenue i do not doubt the right or duty of congress to encourage domestic industry which is the great source of national as well as individual wealth and prosperity i look to the wisdom and patriotism of congress for the adoption of a system which may place home labor at last on a sure and permanent footing and by due encouragement of manufactures give a new and increased stimulus to agriculture and promote the development of our vast resources and the extension of our commerce believing that to the attainment of these ends as well as the necessary augmentation of the revenue and the prevention of frauds a system of specific duties is best adapted i strongly recommend to congress the adoption of that system fixing the duties at rates high enough to afford substantial and sufficient encouragement to our own industry and at the same time so adjusted as to insure stability the question of the continuance of the subtreasury system is respectfully submitted to the wisdom of congress if continued important modifications of it appear to be indispensable for further details and views on the above and other matters connected with commerce the finances and revenue i refer to the report of the secretary of the treasury no direct aid has been given by the general government to the improvement of agriculture except by the expenditure of small sums for the collection and publication of agricultural statistics and for some chemical analyses which have been thus far paid for out of the patent fund this aid is in my opinion wholly inadequate to give to this leading branch of american industry the encouragement which it merits i respectfully recommend the establishment of an agricultural bureau to be connected with the department of the interior to elevate the social condition of the agriculturist to increase his prosperity and to extend his means of usefulness to his country by multiplying his sources of information should be the study of every statesman and a primary object with every legislator no civil government having been provided by congress for california the people of that territory impelled by the necessities of their political condition recently met in convention for the purpose of forming a constitution and state government which the latest advices give me reason to suppose has been accomplished and it is believed they will shortly apply for the admission of california into the union as a sovereign state should such be the case and should their constitution be conformable to the requisitions of the constitution of the united states i recommend their application to the favorable consideration of congress the people of new mexico will also it is believed at no very distant period present themselves for admission into the union preparatory to the admission of california and new mexico the people of each will have instituted for themselves a republican form of government laying its foundation in such principles and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness by awaiting their action all causes of uneasiness may be avoided and confidence and kind feeling preserved with a view of maintaining the harmony and tranquillity so dear to all we should abstain from the introduction of those exciting topics of a sectional character which have hitherto produced painful apprehensions in the public mind and i repeat the solemn warning of the first and most illustrious of my predecessors against furnishing any ground for characterizing parties by geographical discriminations a collector has been appointed at san francisco under the act of congress extending the revenue laws over california and measures have been taken to organize the at that and the other ports mentioned in that act at the earliest period practicable the collector proceeded overland and advices have not yet been received of his arrival at san francisco meanwhile it is understood that the customs have continued to be collected there by officers acting under the military authority as they were during the administration of my predecessor it will i think be expedient to confirm the collections thus made and direct the avails after such allowances as congress may think fit to authorize to be expended within the territory or to be paid into the treasury for the purpose of meeting appropriations for the improvement of its rivers and harbors a party engaged on the coast survey was dispatched to oregon in january last according to the latest advices they had not left california and directions have been given to them as soon as they shall have fixed on the sites of the two and the buoys authorized to be constructed and placed in oregon to proceed without delay to make reconnaissance of the most important points on the coast of california and especially to examine and determine on sites for on that coast the speedy erection of which is urgently demanded by our rapidly increasing commerce i have transferred the indian agencies from upper missouri and council bluffs to santa fe and salt lake and have caused to be appointed subagents in the valleys of the gila the sacramento and the san joaquin rivers still further legal provisions will be necessary for the effective and successful extension of our system of indian intercourse over the new territories i recommend the establishment of a branch mint in california as it will in my opinion afford important facilities to those engaged in mining as well as to the government in the disposition of the mineral lands i also recommend that commissions be organized by congress to examine and decide upon the validity of the present subsisting land titles in california and new mexico and that provision be made for the establishment of offices of in new mexico california and oregon and for the surveying and bringing into market the public lands in those territories those lands remote in position and difficult of access ought to be disposed of on terms liberal to all but especially favorable to the early emigrants in order that the situation and character of the principal mineral deposits in california may be ascertained i recommend that a geological and mineralogical exploration be connected with the linear surveys and that the mineral lands be divided into small lots suitable for mining and be disposed of by sale or lease so as to give our citizens an opportunity of procuring a permanent right of property in the soil this would seem to be as important to the success of mining as of agricultural pursuits the great mineral wealth of california and the advantages which its ports and harbors and those of oregon afford to commerce especially with the islands of the pacific and indian oceans and the populous regions of eastern asia make it certain that there will arise in a few years large and prosperous communities on our western coast it therefore becomes important that a line of communication the best and most expeditious which the nature of the country will admit should be opened within the territory of the united states from the navigable waters of the atlantic or the gulf of mexico to the pacific opinion as elicited and expressed by two large and respectable conventions lately assembled at louis and memphis points to a railroad as that which if practicable will best meet the wishes and wants of the country but while this if in successful operation would be a work of great national importance and of a value to the country which it would be difficult to estimate it ought also to be regarded as an undertaking of vast magnitude and expense and one which must if it be indeed practicable encounter many difficulties in its construction and use therefore to avoid failure and disappointment to enable congress to judge whether in the condition of the country through which it must pass the work be feasible and if it be found so whether it should be undertaken as a national improvement or left to individual enterprise and in the latter alternative what aid if any ought to be extended to it by the government i recommend as a preliminary measure a careful reconnaissance of the several proposed routes by a scientific corps and a report as to the practicability of making such a road with an estimate of the cost of its construction and support for further views on these and other matters connected with the duties of the home department i refer you to the report of the secretary of the interior i recommend early appropriations for continuing the river and harbor improvements which have been already begun and also for the construction of those for which estimates have been made as well as for examinations and estimates preparatory to the commencement of such others as the wants of the country and especially the advance of our population over new districts and the extension of commerce may render necessary an estimate of the amount which can be advantageously expended within the next fiscal year under the direction of the bureau of topographical engineers accompanies the report of the secretary of war to which i respectfully invite the attention of congress the cession of territory made by the late treaty with mexico has greatly extended our exposed frontier and rendered its defense more difficult that treaty has also brought us under obligations to mexico to comply with which a military force is requisite but our military establishment is not materially changed as to its efficiency from the condition in which it stood before the commencement of the mexican war some addition to it will therefore be necessary and i recommend to the favorable consideration of congress an increase of the several corps of the army at our distant western posts as proposed in the accompanying report of the secretary of war great embarrassment has resulted from the effect upon rank in the army heretofore given to brevet and staff commissions the views of the secretary of war on this subject are deemed important and if carried into effect will it is believed promote the harmony of the service the plan proposed for retiring disabled officers and providing an asylum for such of the rank and file as from age wounds and other infirmities occasioned by service have become unfit to perform their respective duties is recommended as a means of increasing the efficiency of the army and as an act of justice due from a grateful country to the faithful soldier the accompanying report of the secretary of the navy presents a full and satisfactory account of the condition and operations of the naval service during the past year our citizens engaged in the legitimate pursuits of commerce have enjoyed its benefits wherever our national vessels have gone they have been received with respect our officers have been treated with kindness and courtesy and they have on all occasions pursued a course of strict neutrality in accordance with the policy of our government the naval force at present in commission is as large as is admissible with the number of men authorized by congress to be employed i invite your attention to the recommendation of the secretary of the navy on the subject of a reorganization of the navy in its various grades of officers and the establishing of a retired list for such of the officers as are disqualified for active and effective service should congress adopt some such measure as is recommended it will greatly increase the efficiency of the navy and reduce its expenditures i also ask your attention to the views expressed by him in reference to the employment of war steamers and in regard to the contracts for the transportation of the united states mails and the operation of the system upon the prosperity of the navy by an act of congress passed august 14 1848 provision was made for extending and mail accommodations to california and oregon exertions have been made to execute that law but the limited provisions of the act the inadequacy of the means it authorizes the ill adaptation of our laws to the situation of that country and the measure of compensation for services allowed by those laws compared with the prices of labor and rents in california render those exertions in a great degree ineffectual more particular and efficient provision by law is required on this subject the act of 1845 reducing postage has now by its operation during four years produced results fully showing that the income from such reduced postage is sufficient to sustain the whole expense of the service of the department not including the cost of transportation in mail steamers on the lines from new york to chagres and from panama to astoria which have not been considered by congress as properly belonging to the mail service it is submitted to the wisdom of congress whether a further reduction of postage should not now be made more particularly on the letter correspondence this should be relieved from the unjust burden of transporting and delivering the franked matter of congress for which public service provision should be made from the treasury i confidently believe that a change may safely be made reducing all single letter postage to the uniform rate of 5 cents regardless of distance without thereby imposing any greater tax on the treasury than would constitute a very moderate compensation for this public service and i therefore respectfully recommend such a reduction should congress prefer to abolish the franking privilege entirely it seems probable that no demand on the treasury would result from the proposed reduction of postage whether any further diminution should now be made or the result of the reduction to 5 cents which i have recommended should be first tested is submitted to your decision since the commencement of the last session of congress a postal treaty with great britain has been received and ratified and such relations have been formed by the departments of the two countries in pursuance of that treaty as to carry its provisions into full operation the attempt to extend this same arrangement through england to france has not been equally successful but the purpose has not been abandoned for a particular statement of the condition of the department and other matters connected with that branch of the public service i refer you to the report of the by the act of the 3d of march 1849 a board was constituted to make arrangements for taking the seventh census composed of the secretary of state the and the and it was made the duty of this board to prepare and because to be printed such forms and schedules as might be necessary for the full enumeration of the inhabitants of the united states and also proper forms and schedules for collecting in statistical tables under proper heads such information as to mines agriculture commerce manufactures education and other topics as would exhibit a full view of the pursuits industry education and resources of the country the duties enjoined upon the census board thus established having been performed it now rests with congress to enact a law for carrying into effect the provision of the constitution which requires an actual enumeration of the people of the united states within the ensuing year among the duties assigned by the constitution to the general government is one of local and limited application but not on that account the less obligatory i allude to the trust committed to congress as the exclusive legislator and sole guardian of the interests of the district of columbia i beg to commend these interests to your kind attention as the national metropolis the city of washington must be an object of general interest and founded as it was under the auspices of him whose immortal name it bears its claims to the fostering care of congress present themselves with additional strength whatever can contribute to its prosperity must enlist the feelings of its constitutional guardians and command their favorable consideration our government is one of limited powers and its successful administration eminently depends on the confinement of each of its coordinate branches within its own appropriate sphere the first section of the constitution ordains that all legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a congress of the united states which shall consist of a senate and house of representatives the executive has authority to recommend not to dictate measures to congress having performed that duty the executive department of the government can not rightfully control the decision of congress on any subject of legislation until that decision shall have been officially submitted to the president for approval the check provided by the constitution in the clause conferring the qualified veto will never be exercised by me except in the cases contemplated by the fathers of the republic i view it as an extreme measure to be resorted to only in extraordinary cases as where it may become necessary to defend the executive against the encroachments of the legislative power or to prevent hasty and inconsiderate or unconstitutional legislation by cautiously confining this remedy within the sphere prescribed to it in the contemporaneous expositions of the framers of the constitution the will of the people legitimately expressed on all subjects of legislation through their constitutional organs the senators and representatives of the united states will have its full effect as indispensable to the preservation of our system of the independence of the representatives of the states and the people is guaranteed by the constitution and they owe no responsibility to any human power but their constituents by holding the representative responsible only to the people and exempting him from all other influences we elevate the character of the constituent and quicken his sense of responsibility to his country it is under these circumstances only that the elector can feel that in the choice of the lawmaker he is himself truly a component part of the sovereign power of the nation with equal care we should study to defend the rights of the executive and judicial departments our government can only be preserved in its purity by the suppression and entire elimination of every claim or tendency of one coordinate branch to encroachment upon another with the strict observance of this rule and the other injunctions of the constitution with a sedulous inculcation of that respect and love for the union of the states which our fathers cherished and enjoined upon their children and with the aid of that overruling providence which has so long and so kindly guarded our liberties and institutions we may reasonably expect to transmit them with their innumerable blessings to the remotest posterity but attachment to the union of the states should be habitually fostered in every american heart for more than half a century during which kingdoms and empires have fallen this union has stood unshaken the patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave yet still it remains the proudest monument to their memory and the object of affection and admiration with everyone worthy to bear the american name in my judgment its dissolution would be the greatest of calamities and to avert that should be the study of every american upon its preservation must depend our own happiness and that of countless generations to come whatever dangers may threaten it i shall stand by it and maintain it in its integrity to the full extent of the obligations imposed and the powers conferred upon me by the constitution
sixty years elapsed since establishment government congress united states assembles legislate empire freemen predictions evil prophets formerly pretended foretell downfall institutions remembered derided united states america moment present world stable permanent government earth result labors gone us upon congress eminently depend future maintenance system free government transmission unimpaired posterity peace nations world seek maintain cherished relations amity past year blessed kind providence abundance fruits earth although destroying angel time visited extensive portions territory ravages dreadful pestilence yet almighty length deigned stay hand restore inestimable blessing general health people acknowledged power deprecated wrath implored merciful protection enjoying benefits amicable intercourse foreign nations insensible distractions wars prevailed quarters world proper theme thanksgiving rules destinies nations able maintain amidst contests independent neutral position toward belligerent powers relations great britain friendly character consequence recent alteration british navigation acts british vessels british foreign ports existing laws 1st day january next admitted entry ports cargoes growth manufacture production part world terms duties imposts charges vessels united states cargoes vessels admitted advantages british ports entering therein terms british vessels order council disturb legislative arrangement late act british parliament great britain brought within terms proposed act congress 1st march 1817 hoped productive benefit countries slight interruption diplomatic intercourse occurred government france happy say terminated minister received therefore unnecessary refer circumstances led interruption need express sincere satisfaction shall welcome arrival another envoy extraordinary minister plenipotentiary sister republic long still remain bound strongest ties amity shortly entered upon discharge executive duties apprised war steamer belonging german empire fitted harbor new york aid naval officers rendered permission late secretary navy permission granted armistice empire kingdom denmark engaged war apprehensive act intervention part might viewed violation neutral obligations incurred treaty denmark provisions act congress 20th april 1818 directed aid rendered agent officer navy instructed secretary state apprise minister german empire accredited government determination execute law united states maintain faith treaties nations correspondence ensued department state minister german empire herewith laid execution law observance treaty deemed due honor country well sacred obligations constitution shall fail pursue course similar case arise nation avowed opinion taking oath office disputes conflicting foreign governments interest less duty remain strictly neutral shall abandon perceive correspondence submitted connection subject course adopted case properly regarded belligerent powers interested matter although minister united states german empire appointed predecessor august 1848 long time attendance although minister appointed represent empire received accredited yet government german empire definitively constituted donelson representative frankfort remained several months expectation union german states one constitution form government might length organized believed well acquainted existing relations prussia states germany union permanently established without cooperation event formation union organization central power germany form part would become necessary withdraw minister berlin prussia exists independent kingdom diplomatic relations maintained necessity continuance mission frankfort therefore recalled donelson directed archives legation frankfort transferred american legation berlin apprised considerable number adventurers engaged fitting military expedition within united states foreign country believing best information could obtain destined invade island cuba deemed due friendly relations existing united states spain treaty two nations laws united states american honor exert lawful authority government suppressing expedition preventing invasion end issued proclamation enjoining upon officers united states civil military use lawful means within power copy proclamation herewith submitted expedition suppressed long act congress 20th april 1818 owes existence law nations policy washington shall remain statute books hold duty executive faithfully obey injunctions expedition progress informed foreigner claimed protection clandestinely supposed forcibly carried vessel new orleans island cuba immediately caused steps taken thought necessary case information received prove correct vindicate honor country right every person seeking asylum soil protection laws person alleged abducted promptly restored circumstances case undergo investigation judicial tribunal would respectfully suggest although crime charged committed case held odious conflict opinions subject national sovereignty personal freedom prohibition punishment provided act congress expediency supplying defect criminal code therefore recommended consideration scrupulously avoided interference wars contentions recently distracted europe late conflict austria hungary seemed prospect latter might become independent nation however faint prospect time appeared thought duty accordance general sentiment american people deeply sympathized magyar patriots stand prepared upon contingency establishment permanent government first welcome independent hungary family nations purpose invested agent europe power declare willingness promptly recognize independence event ability sustain powerful intervention russia contest extinguished hopes struggling magyars united states time interfere contest feelings nation strongly enlisted sufferings brave people made gallant though unsuccessful effort free claims upon portugal past year prosecuted renewed vigor object employ every effort honorable diplomacy procure adjustment late charge lisbon hon george hopkins made able energetic unsuccessful efforts settle unpleasant matters controversy obtain indemnity wrongs subjects complaint present charge court also bring prosecution claims ability zeal revolutionary distracted condition portugal past times represented one leading causes delay indemnifying suffering citizens must say matter profound regret claims yet settled omission portugal justice american claimants assumed character grave serious shall shortly make subject special message congress view ultimate action wisdom patriotism may suggest russia austria prussia sweden denmark belgium netherlands italian states still maintain accustomed amicable relations recent revolutions papal states charge rome unable present letter credence indeed directed predecessor withhold receive orders unsettled condition things states deemed expedient give instructions subject presenting credential letter different furnished late administration 25th june last consequence want accurate information exact state things distance us instructed exercise discretion presenting existing government judgment sufficiently stable await events since period rome undergone another revolution abides establishment government sufficiently permanent justify opening diplomatic intercourse republic mexico true policy cultivate friendly relations since ratification treaty guadalupe hidalgo nothing occurred serious character disturb faithful observance treaty sincere respect rights fail secure lasting confidence friendship republic message predecessor house representatives 8th february last communicating compliance resolution body copy paper called protocol signed queretaro 30th may 1848 commissioners united states minister foreign affairs mexican government subject correspondence department state envoy extraordinary minister plenipotentiary republic accredited government transcript correspondence herewith submitted commissioner part united states marking boundary two republics though delayed reaching san diego unforeseen obstacles arrived place within short period time required treaty joined commissioner part mexico entered upon duties date latest intelligence quarter progress made survey expenses incident organization commission conveyance point operations begin much reduced fund appropriated congress sum cover charges must incurred present fiscal year necessary great length frontier along boundary extends nature adjacent territory difficulty obtaining supplies except near extremes line render also indispensable liberal provision made meet necessary charges fiscal year ending 30th june 1851 accordingly recommend subject attention adjustment claims american citizens mexico provided late treaty employment counsel part government may become important purpose assisting commissioners protecting interests united states recommend subject early favorable consideration congress complaints made regard inefficiency means provided government new granada transporting united states mail across isthmus panama pursuant postal convention republic 6th march 1844 charge bogota directed make representations government new granada hoped lead prompt removal complaint sanguinary civil war republic venezuela time past ravaged brought close progress rights citizens resident trading violated restoration order afford venezuelan government opportunity examine redress grievances others longer standing representatives caracas hitherto ineffectually urged upon attention government extension coast united states pacific unexampled rapidity inhabitants california especially increasing numbers imparted new consequence relations countries whose territories border upon ocean probable intercourse countries possessions quarter particularly republic chili become extensive mutually advantageous proportion california oregon shall increase population wealth desirable therefore government everything power foster strengthen relations states spirit amity us mutual cordial recommend observance course toward american states united states stand great american power natural ally friend always disposed first look mediation assistance event collision european nation may often kindly mediate behalf without entangling foreign wars unnecessary controversies whenever faith treaties shall require interference must necessarily interpose convention negotiated brazil providing satisfaction american claims government submitted senate since last session congress received envoy extraordinary minister plenipotentiary empire relations rounded upon amicable understanding attention earnestly invited amendment existing laws relating african slave trade view effectual suppression barbarous traffic denied trade still part carried means vessels built united states owned navigated citizens correspondence department state minister consul united states rio de janeiro time time laid congress represents customary device evade penalties laws means sea letters vessels sold brazil provided papers consul instead returning united states new register proceed coast africa purpose obtaining cargoes slaves much additional information character recently transmitted department state considered policy laws subject american citizen foreign country purchases vessel built united states inconvenience sending home new register permitting proceed voyage alteration laws might tendency impede free transfer property vessels citizens free navigation vessels different parts world employed lawful commerce well cautiously considered trust wisdom devise method general policy respect may preserved time abuse flag means sea letters manner indicated may prevented ascertained prospect reunion five states central america formerly composed republic name separately negotiated treaties amity commerce laid senate contract concluded state nicaragua company composed american citizens purpose constructing ship canal territory state connect atlantic pacific oceans directed negotiation treaty nicaragua pledging governments protect shall engage perfect work nations invited state nicaragua enter treaty stipulations benefit derived arrangement protection great interoceanic communication power might seek obstruct monopolize advantages states entering treaty enjoy right passage canal payment tolls work constructed guaranties become bond peace instead subject contention strife nations earth great maritime states europe consent arrangement reason suppose proposition fair honorable opposed energies people cooperate promoting success enterprise recommend appropriation national treasury purpose believe appropriation necessary private enterprise properly protected complete work prove feasible parties procured charter nicaragua construction desire assistance government beyond protection profess examined proposed line communication ready commence undertaking whenever protection shall extended appear reason examining whole evidence entertain serious doubt practicability constructing canal doubt could speedily solved actual exploration route work constructed common protection nations equal benefits would neither expedient great maritime state command communication territory canal may opened ought freed claims foreign power power occupy position would enable hereafter exercise controlling influence commerce world obstruct highway ought dedicated common uses mankind routes across isthmus tehuantepec panama also worthy serious consideration fail engage attention predecessor negotiator treaty guadalupe hidalgo instructed offer large sum money right transit across isthmus tehuantepec mexican government accede proposition purchase right way probably already contracted private individuals construction passage guasacualco river tehuantepec shall renew proposition purchase money right ought equally secured nations payment reasonable toll owners improvement would doubtless well contented compensation guaranties maritime states world separate treaties negotiated mexico binding protect construct work guaranties would secure completion communication territory mexico reasonable consideration could offered mexico would greatest gainer opening communication gulf pacific ocean presumed would hesitate yield aid manner proposed accomplish improvement important best interests reason hope proposed railroad across isthmus panama successfully constructed protection late treaty new granada ratified exchanged predecessor 10th day june 1848 guarantees perfect neutrality isthmus rights sovereignty property new granada territory view free transit ocean ocean may interrupted embarrassed existence treaty policy encourage every practicable route across isthmus connects north south america either railroad canal energy enterprise citizens may induce complete consider obligatory upon adopt policy especially consequence absolute necessity facilitating intercourse possessions pacific position sandwich islands reference territory united states pacific success persevering benevolent citizens repaired remote quarter christianizing natives inducing adopt system government laws suited capacity wants use made numerous whale ships harbors islands places resort obtaining refreshments repairs combine render destiny peculiarly interesting us duty encourage authorities islands efforts improve elevate moral political condition inhabitants make reasonable allowances difficulties inseparable task desire islands may maintain independence nations concur us sentiment could event indifferent passing dominion power principal commercial states common interest hoped one attempt interpose obstacles entire independence islands receipts treasury fiscal year ending 30th june last cash treasury notes funded making aggregate expenditures time cash treasury notes funded making aggregate accounts estimates submitted congress report secretary treasury show probably deficit occasioned expenses mexican war treaty 1st day july next 1st day july 1851 making whole probable deficit provided extraordinary expenses war mexico purchase california new mexico exceed amount deficit together loans heretofore made objects therefore recommend authority given borrow ever sum may necessary cover deficit recommend observance strict economy appropriation expenditure public money recommend revision existing tariff adjustment basis may augment revenue doubt right duty congress encourage domestic industry great source national well individual wealth prosperity look wisdom patriotism congress adoption system may place home labor last sure permanent footing due encouragement manufactures give new increased stimulus agriculture promote development vast resources extension commerce believing attainment ends well necessary augmentation revenue prevention frauds system specific duties best adapted strongly recommend congress adoption system fixing duties rates high enough afford substantial sufficient encouragement industry time adjusted insure stability question continuance subtreasury system respectfully submitted wisdom congress continued important modifications appear indispensable details views matters connected commerce finances revenue refer report secretary treasury direct aid given general government improvement agriculture except expenditure small sums collection publication agricultural statistics chemical analyses thus far paid patent fund aid opinion wholly inadequate give leading branch american industry encouragement merits respectfully recommend establishment agricultural bureau connected department interior elevate social condition agriculturist increase prosperity extend means usefulness country multiplying sources information study every statesman primary object every legislator civil government provided congress california people territory impelled necessities political condition recently met convention purpose forming constitution state government latest advices give reason suppose accomplished believed shortly apply admission california union sovereign state case constitution conformable requisitions constitution united states recommend application favorable consideration congress people new mexico also believed distant period present admission union preparatory admission california new mexico people instituted republican form government laying foundation principles organizing powers form shall seem likely effect safety happiness awaiting action causes uneasiness may avoided confidence kind feeling preserved view maintaining harmony tranquillity dear abstain introduction exciting topics sectional character hitherto produced painful apprehensions public mind repeat solemn warning first illustrious predecessors furnishing ground characterizing parties geographical discriminations collector appointed san francisco act congress extending revenue laws california measures taken organize ports mentioned act earliest period practicable collector proceeded overland advices yet received arrival san francisco meanwhile understood customs continued collected officers acting military authority administration predecessor think expedient confirm collections thus made direct avails allowances congress may think fit authorize expended within territory paid treasury purpose meeting appropriations improvement rivers harbors party engaged coast survey dispatched oregon january last according latest advices left california directions given soon shall fixed sites two buoys authorized constructed placed oregon proceed without delay make reconnaissance important points coast california especially examine determine sites coast speedy erection urgently demanded rapidly increasing commerce transferred indian agencies upper missouri council bluffs santa fe salt lake caused appointed subagents valleys gila sacramento san joaquin rivers still legal provisions necessary effective successful extension system indian intercourse new territories recommend establishment branch mint california opinion afford important facilities engaged mining well government disposition mineral lands also recommend commissions organized congress examine decide upon validity present subsisting land titles california new mexico provision made establishment offices new mexico california oregon surveying bringing market public lands territories lands remote position difficult access ought disposed terms liberal especially favorable early emigrants order situation character principal mineral deposits california may ascertained recommend geological mineralogical exploration connected linear surveys mineral lands divided small lots suitable mining disposed sale lease give citizens opportunity procuring permanent right property soil would seem important success mining agricultural pursuits great mineral wealth california advantages ports harbors oregon afford commerce especially islands pacific indian oceans populous regions eastern asia make certain arise years large prosperous communities western coast therefore becomes important line communication best expeditious nature country admit opened within territory united states navigable waters atlantic gulf mexico pacific opinion elicited expressed two large respectable conventions lately assembled louis memphis points railroad practicable best meet wishes wants country successful operation would work great national importance value country would difficult estimate ought also regarded undertaking vast magnitude expense one must indeed practicable encounter many difficulties construction use therefore avoid failure disappointment enable congress judge whether condition country must pass work feasible found whether undertaken national improvement left individual enterprise latter alternative aid ought extended government recommend preliminary measure careful reconnaissance several proposed routes scientific corps report practicability making road estimate cost construction support views matters connected duties home department refer report secretary interior recommend early appropriations continuing river harbor improvements already begun also construction estimates made well examinations estimates preparatory commencement others wants country especially advance population new districts extension commerce may render necessary estimate amount advantageously expended within next fiscal year direction bureau topographical engineers accompanies report secretary war respectfully invite attention congress cession territory made late treaty mexico greatly extended exposed frontier rendered defense difficult treaty also brought us obligations mexico comply military force requisite military establishment materially changed efficiency condition stood commencement mexican war addition therefore necessary recommend favorable consideration congress increase several corps army distant western posts proposed accompanying report secretary war great embarrassment resulted effect upon rank army heretofore given brevet staff commissions views secretary war subject deemed important carried effect believed promote harmony service plan proposed retiring disabled officers providing asylum rank file age wounds infirmities occasioned service become unfit perform respective duties recommended means increasing efficiency army act justice due grateful country faithful soldier accompanying report secretary navy presents full satisfactory account condition operations naval service past year citizens engaged legitimate pursuits commerce enjoyed benefits wherever national vessels gone received respect officers treated kindness courtesy occasions pursued course strict neutrality accordance policy government naval force present commission large admissible number men authorized congress employed invite attention recommendation secretary navy subject reorganization navy various grades officers establishing retired list officers disqualified active effective service congress adopt measure recommended greatly increase efficiency navy reduce expenditures also ask attention views expressed reference employment war steamers regard contracts transportation united states mails operation system upon prosperity navy act congress passed august 14 1848 provision made extending mail accommodations california oregon exertions made execute law limited provisions act inadequacy means authorizes ill adaptation laws situation country measure compensation services allowed laws compared prices labor rents california render exertions great degree ineffectual particular efficient provision law required subject act 1845 reducing postage operation four years produced results fully showing income reduced postage sufficient sustain whole expense service department including cost transportation mail steamers lines new york chagres panama astoria considered congress properly belonging mail service submitted wisdom congress whether reduction postage made particularly letter correspondence relieved unjust burden transporting delivering franked matter congress public service provision made treasury confidently believe change may safely made reducing single letter postage uniform rate 5 cents regardless distance without thereby imposing greater tax treasury would constitute moderate compensation public service therefore respectfully recommend reduction congress prefer abolish franking privilege entirely seems probable demand treasury would result proposed reduction postage whether diminution made result reduction 5 cents recommended first tested submitted decision since commencement last session congress postal treaty great britain received ratified relations formed departments two countries pursuance treaty carry provisions full operation attempt extend arrangement england france equally successful purpose abandoned particular statement condition department matters connected branch public service refer report act 3d march 1849 board constituted make arrangements taking seventh census composed secretary state made duty board prepare printed forms schedules might necessary full enumeration inhabitants united states also proper forms schedules collecting statistical tables proper heads information mines agriculture commerce manufactures education topics would exhibit full view pursuits industry education resources country duties enjoined upon census board thus established performed rests congress enact law carrying effect provision constitution requires actual enumeration people united states within ensuing year among duties assigned constitution general government one local limited application account less obligatory allude trust committed congress exclusive legislator sole guardian interests district columbia beg commend interests kind attention national metropolis city washington must object general interest founded auspices whose immortal name bears claims fostering care congress present additional strength whatever contribute prosperity must enlist feelings constitutional guardians command favorable consideration government one limited powers successful administration eminently depends confinement coordinate branches within appropriate sphere first section constitution ordains legislative powers herein granted shall vested congress united states shall consist senate house representatives executive authority recommend dictate measures congress performed duty executive department government rightfully control decision congress subject legislation decision shall officially submitted president approval check provided constitution clause conferring qualified veto never exercised except cases contemplated fathers republic view extreme measure resorted extraordinary cases may become necessary defend executive encroachments legislative power prevent hasty inconsiderate unconstitutional legislation cautiously confining remedy within sphere prescribed contemporaneous expositions framers constitution people legitimately expressed subjects legislation constitutional organs senators representatives united states full effect indispensable preservation system independence representatives states people guaranteed constitution owe responsibility human power constituents holding representative responsible people exempting influences elevate character constituent quicken sense responsibility country circumstances elector feel choice lawmaker truly component part sovereign power nation equal care study defend rights executive judicial departments government preserved purity suppression entire elimination every claim tendency one coordinate branch encroachment upon another strict observance rule injunctions constitution sedulous inculcation respect love union states fathers cherished enjoined upon children aid overruling providence long kindly guarded liberties institutions may reasonably expect transmit innumerable blessings remotest posterity attachment union states habitually fostered every american heart half century kingdoms empires fallen union stood unshaken patriots formed long since descended grave yet still remains proudest monument memory object affection admiration everyone worthy bear american name judgment dissolution would greatest calamities avert study every american upon preservation must depend happiness countless generations come whatever dangers may threaten shall stand maintain integrity full extent obligations imposed powers conferred upon constitution
sixty year elapse since establishment government congress unite state assembles legislate empire freeman prediction evil prophet formerly pretend foretell downfall institution remember derided united state america moment present world stable permanent government earth result labor go u upon congress eminently depend future maintenance system free government transmission unimpaired posterity peace nation world seek maintain cherished relation amity past year bless kind providence abundance fruit earth although destroy angel time visit extensive portion territory ravage dreadful pestilence yet almighty length deign stay hand restore inestimable bless general health people acknowledge power deprecate wrath implore merciful protection enjoy benefit amicable intercourse foreign nation insensible distraction war prevail quarter world proper theme thanksgiving rule destiny nation able maintain amidst contest independent neutral position toward belligerent power relation great britain friendly character consequence recent alteration british navigation act british vessel british foreign port exist law 1st day january next admitted entry port cargo growth manufacture production part world term duty impost charge vessel united state cargoes vessel admit advantage british port enter therein term british vessel order council disturb legislative arrangement late act british parliament great britain bring within term propose act congress 1st march 1817 hop productive benefit country slight interruption diplomatic intercourse occur government france happy say terminate minister receive therefore unnecessary refer circumstance lead interruption need express sincere satisfaction shall welcome arrival another envoy extraordinary minister plenipotentiary sister republic long still remain bound strong tie amity shortly enter upon discharge executive duty apprise war steamer belong german empire fit harbor new york aid naval officer render permission late secretary navy permission grant armistice empire kingdom denmark engage war apprehensive act intervention part might view violation neutral obligation incur treaty denmark provision act congress 20th april 1818 direct aid render agent officer navy instruct secretary state apprise minister german empire accredited government determination execute law united state maintain faith treaty nation correspondence ensue department state minister german empire herewith lay execution law observance treaty deem due honor country well sacred obligation constitution shall fail pursue course similar case arise nation avow opinion take oath office dispute conflict foreign government interest less duty remain strictly neutral shall abandon perceive correspondence submit connection subject course adopt case properly regard belligerent power interested matter although minister unite states german empire appoint predecessor august 1848 long time attendance although minister appoint represent empire receive accredit yet government german empire definitively constitute donelson representative frankfort remain several month expectation union german state one constitution form government might length organize believe well acquaint exist relation prussia state germany union permanently establish without cooperation event formation union organization central power germany form part would become necessary withdraw minister berlin prussia exist independent kingdom diplomatic relation maintain necessity continuance mission frankfort therefore recall donelson direct archive legation frankfort transfer american legation berlin apprise considerable number adventurer engage fit military expedition within united state foreign country believe best information could obtain destined invade island cuba deem due friendly relation exist united state spain treaty two nation law united state american honor exert lawful authority government suppress expedition prevent invasion end issue proclamation enjoin upon officer united state civil military use lawful mean within power copy proclamation herewith submit expedition suppress long act congress 20th april 1818 owes existence law nation policy washington shall remain statute book hold duty executive faithfully obey injunction expedition progress inform foreigner claim protection clandestinely suppose forcibly carry vessel new orleans island cuba immediately cause step take thought necessary case information receive prove correct vindicate honor country right every person seek asylum soil protection law person allege abduct promptly restore circumstance case undergo investigation judicial tribunal would respectfully suggest although crime charge committed case hold odious conflict opinion subject national sovereignty personal freedom prohibition punishment provide act congress expediency supply defect criminal code therefore recommend consideration scrupulously avoid interference war contention recently distract europe late conflict austria hungary seem prospect latter might become independent nation however faint prospect time appear think duty accordance general sentiment american people deeply sympathize magyar patriot stand prepared upon contingency establishment permanent government first welcome independent hungary family nation purpose invest agent europe power declare willingness promptly recognize independence event ability sustain powerful intervention russia contest extinguish hope struggle magyar united state time interfere contest feeling nation strongly enlist suffering brave people make gallant though unsuccessful effort free claim upon portugal past year prosecute renew vigor object employ every effort honorable diplomacy procure adjustment late charge lisbon hon george hopkins make able energetic unsuccessful effort settle unpleasant matter controversy obtain indemnity wrong subject complaint present charge court also bring prosecution claim ability zeal revolutionary distracted condition portugal past time represent one lead cause delay indemnify suffer citizen must say matter profound regret claim yet settle omission portugal justice american claimant assume character grave serious shall shortly make subject special message congress view ultimate action wisdom patriotism may suggest russia austria prussia sweden denmark belgium netherlands italian state still maintain accustomed amicable relation recent revolution papal state charge rome unable present letter credence indeed direct predecessor withhold receive order unsettled condition thing state deem expedient give instruction subject present credential letter different furnish late administration 25th june last consequence want accurate information exact state thing distance u instruct exercise discretion present exist government judgment sufficiently stable await event since period rome undergone another revolution abides establishment government sufficiently permanent justify open diplomatic intercourse republic mexico true policy cultivate friendly relation since ratification treaty guadalupe hidalgo nothing occur serious character disturb faithful observance treaty sincere respect right fail secure last confidence friendship republic message predecessor house representative 8th february last communicating compliance resolution body copy paper call protocol sign queretaro 30th may 1848 commissioner united state minister foreign affair mexican government subject correspondence department state envoy extraordinary minister plenipotentiary republic accredit government transcript correspondence herewith submit commissioner part united state mark boundary two republic though delayed reach san diego unforeseen obstacle arrive place within short period time require treaty join commissioner part mexico enter upon duty date late intelligence quarter progress make survey expense incident organization commission conveyance point operation begin much reduce fund appropriate congress sum cover charge must incur present fiscal year necessary great length frontier along boundary extends nature adjacent territory difficulty obtain supply except near extreme line render also indispensable liberal provision make meet necessary charge fiscal year end 30th june 1851 accordingly recommend subject attention adjustment claim american citizen mexico provide late treaty employment counsel part government may become important purpose assist commissioner protect interest united state recommend subject early favorable consideration congress complaint make regard inefficiency mean provided government new granada transporting united state mail across isthmus panama pursuant postal convention republic 6th march 1844 charge bogota direct make representation government new granada hop lead prompt removal complaint sanguinary civil war republic venezuela time past ravage brought close progress right citizens resident trading violate restoration order afford venezuelan government opportunity examine redress grievance others longer stand representative caracas hitherto ineffectually urge upon attention government extension coast united state pacific unexampled rapidity inhabitant california especially increase number impart new consequence relation country whose territory border upon ocean probable intercourse country possession quarter particularly republic chili become extensive mutually advantageous proportion california oregon shall increase population wealth desirable therefore government everything power foster strengthen relation state spirit amity u mutual cordial recommend observance course toward american state united state stand great american power natural ally friend always dispose first look mediation assistance event collision european nation may often kindly mediate behalf without entangle foreign war unnecessary controversy whenever faith treaty shall require interference must necessarily interpose convention negotiate brazil provide satisfaction american claim government submit senate since last session congress receive envoy extraordinary minister plenipotentiary empire relation round upon amicable understanding attention earnestly invite amendment exist law relate african slave trade view effectual suppression barbarous traffic deny trade still part carry mean vessel build united state own navigated citizen correspondence department state minister consul united state rio de janeiro time time lay congress represent customary device evade penalty law mean sea letter vessel sell brazil provide paper consul instead return united state new register proceed coast africa purpose obtain cargo slaves much additional information character recently transmit department state consider policy law subject american citizen foreign country purchase vessel build united state inconvenience send home new register permit proceed voyage alteration law might tendency impede free transfer property vessel citizen free navigation vessel different part world employ lawful commerce well cautiously consider trust wisdom devise method general policy respect may preserve time abuse flag mean sea letter manner indicate may prevent ascertained prospect reunion five state central america formerly compose republic name separately negotiate treaty amity commerce lay senate contract conclude state nicaragua company compose american citizen purpose construct ship canal territory state connect atlantic pacific ocean direct negotiation treaty nicaragua pledge government protect shall engage perfect work nation invite state nicaragua enter treaty stipulation benefit derive arrangement protection great interoceanic communication power might seek obstruct monopolize advantage state enter treaty enjoy right passage canal payment toll work construct guaranty become bond peace instead subject contention strife nation earth great maritime state europe consent arrangement reason suppose proposition fair honorable opposed energy people cooperate promote success enterprise recommend appropriation national treasury purpose believe appropriation necessary private enterprise properly protect complete work prove feasible party procure charter nicaragua construction desire assistance government beyond protection profess examine propose line communication ready commence undertake whenever protection shall extend appear reason examine whole evidence entertain serious doubt practicability construct canal doubt could speedily solve actual exploration route work construct common protection nation equal benefit would neither expedient great maritime state command communication territory canal may open ought free claim foreign power power occupy position would enable hereafter exercise control influence commerce world obstruct highway ought dedicate common us mankind route across isthmus tehuantepec panama also worthy serious consideration fail engage attention predecessor negotiator treaty guadalupe hidalgo instruct offer large sum money right transit across isthmus tehuantepec mexican government accede proposition purchase right way probably already contracted private individual construction passage guasacualco river tehuantepec shall renew proposition purchase money right ought equally secure nation payment reasonable toll owner improvement would doubtless well contented compensation guaranty maritime state world separate treaty negotiate mexico bind protect construct work guaranty would secure completion communication territory mexico reasonable consideration could offer mexico would greatest gainer open communication gulf pacific ocean presume would hesitate yield aid manner propose accomplish improvement important best interest reason hope propose railroad across isthmus panama successfully construct protection late treaty new granada ratify exchange predecessor 10th day june 1848 guarantee perfect neutrality isthmus right sovereignty property new granada territory view free transit ocean ocean may interrupt embarrass existence treaty policy encourage every practicable route across isthmus connects north south america either railroad canal energy enterprise citizen may induce complete consider obligatory upon adopt policy especially consequence absolute necessity facilitate intercourse possession pacific position sandwich islands reference territory united state pacific success persevere benevolent citizen repair remote quarter christianize native induce adopt system government law suit capacity want use make numerous whale ship harbor island place resort obtain refreshment repair combine render destiny peculiarly interesting u duty encourage authority islands effort improve elevate moral political condition inhabitant make reasonable allowance difficulty inseparable task desire island may maintain independence nation concur u sentiment could event indifferent pass dominion power principal commercial state common interest hop one attempt interpose obstacle entire independence island receipt treasury fiscal year end 30th june last cash treasury note fund make aggregate expenditure time cash treasury note fund make aggregate account estimate submit congress report secretary treasury show probably deficit occasion expense mexican war treaty 1st day july next 1st day july 1851 make whole probable deficit provide extraordinary expense war mexico purchase california new mexico exceed amount deficit together loan heretofore make object therefore recommend authority give borrow ever sum may necessary cover deficit recommend observance strict economy appropriation expenditure public money recommend revision exist tariff adjustment basis may augment revenue doubt right duty congress encourage domestic industry great source national well individual wealth prosperity look wisdom patriotism congress adoption system may place home labor last sure permanent footing due encouragement manufacture give new increase stimulus agriculture promote development vast resource extension commerce believe attainment end well necessary augmentation revenue prevention fraud system specific duty best adapt strongly recommend congress adoption system fix duty rate high enough afford substantial sufficient encouragement industry time adjust insure stability question continuance subtreasury system respectfully submit wisdom congress continue important modification appear indispensable detail view matter connect commerce finance revenue refer report secretary treasury direct aid give general government improvement agriculture except expenditure small sum collection publication agricultural statistic chemical analysis thus far pay patent fund aid opinion wholly inadequate give lead branch american industry encouragement merit respectfully recommend establishment agricultural bureau connect department interior elevate social condition agriculturist increase prosperity extend mean usefulness country multiply source information study every statesman primary object every legislator civil government provide congress california people territory impelled necessity political condition recently meet convention purpose form constitution state government late advice give reason suppose accomplish believe shortly apply admission california union sovereign state case constitution conformable requisition constitution united state recommend application favorable consideration congress people new mexico also believe distant period present admission union preparatory admission california new mexico people instituted republican form government lay foundation principle organize power form shall seem likely effect safety happiness await action cause uneasiness may avoid confidence kind feel preserved view maintain harmony tranquillity dear abstain introduction excite topic sectional character hitherto produce painful apprehension public mind repeat solemn warn first illustrious predecessor furnish ground characterize party geographical discrimination collector appoint san francisco act congress extend revenue law california measure take organize port mention act early period practicable collector proceed overland advice yet receive arrival san francisco meanwhile understood custom continue collected officer act military authority administration predecessor think expedient confirm collection thus make direct avail allowance congress may think fit authorize expend within territory pay treasury purpose meeting appropriation improvement river harbor party engage coast survey dispatch oregon january last accord late advice leave california direction give soon shall fix site two buoy authorize construct placed oregon proceed without delay make reconnaissance important point coast california especially examine determine site coast speedy erection urgently demand rapidly increase commerce transfer indian agency upper missouri council bluff santa fe salt lake cause appoint subagents valley gila sacramento san joaquin river still legal provision necessary effective successful extension system indian intercourse new territory recommend establishment branch mint california opinion afford important facility engage mine well government disposition mineral land also recommend commission organize congress examine decide upon validity present subsist land title california new mexico provision make establishment office new mexico california oregon survey bring market public land territory land remote position difficult access ought dispose term liberal especially favorable early emigrant order situation character principal mineral deposit california may ascertain recommend geological mineralogical exploration connect linear survey mineral land divide small lot suitable mining disposed sale lease give citizen opportunity procure permanent right property soil would seem important success mine agricultural pursuit great mineral wealth california advantage port harbor oregon afford commerce especially islands pacific indian ocean populous region eastern asia make certain arise year large prosperous community western coast therefore becomes important line communication best expeditious nature country admit open within territory united state navigable water atlantic gulf mexico pacific opinion elicit express two large respectable convention lately assemble louis memphis point railroad practicable best meet wish want country successful operation would work great national importance value country would difficult estimate ought also regard undertake vast magnitude expense one must indeed practicable encounter many difficulty construction use therefore avoid failure disappointment enable congress judge whether condition country must pass work feasible find whether undertaken national improvement leave individual enterprise latter alternative aid ought extend government recommend preliminary measure careful reconnaissance several propose route scientific corps report practicability make road estimate cost construction support view matter connected duty home department refer report secretary interior recommend early appropriation continue river harbor improvement already begin also construction estimate make well examination estimate preparatory commencement others want country especially advance population new district extension commerce may render necessary estimate amount advantageously expend within next fiscal year direction bureau topographical engineer accompanies report secretary war respectfully invite attention congress cession territory make late treaty mexico greatly extend expose frontier render defense difficult treaty also bring u obligation mexico comply military force requisite military establishment materially change efficiency condition stand commencement mexican war addition therefore necessary recommend favorable consideration congress increase several corps army distant western post propose accompany report secretary war great embarrassment result effect upon rank army heretofore give brevet staff commission view secretary war subject deem important carried effect believe promote harmony service plan propose retire disabled officer provide asylum rank file age wound infirmity occasion service become unfit perform respective duty recommend mean increase efficiency army act justice due grateful country faithful soldier accompany report secretary navy present full satisfactory account condition operation naval service past year citizen engage legitimate pursuit commerce enjoy benefit wherever national vessel go received respect officer treat kindness courtesy occasion pursue course strict neutrality accordance policy government naval force present commission large admissible number men authorize congress employ invite attention recommendation secretary navy subject reorganization navy various grade officer establish retired list officer disqualify active effective service congress adopt measure recommend greatly increase efficiency navy reduce expenditure also ask attention view express reference employment war steamer regard contract transportation united state mail operation system upon prosperity navy act congress pass august 14 1848 provision make extend mail accommodation california oregon exertion make execute law limit provision act inadequacy mean authorizes ill adaptation law situation country measure compensation service allow law compare price labor rent california render exertion great degree ineffectual particular efficient provision law require subject act 1845 reduce postage operation four year produce result fully show income reduce postage sufficient sustain whole expense service department include cost transportation mail steamer line new york chagres panama astoria consider congress properly belong mail service submit wisdom congress whether reduction postage make particularly letter correspondence relieve unjust burden transport deliver franked matter congress public service provision make treasury confidently believe change may safely make reduce single letter postage uniform rate 5 cent regardless distance without thereby impose great tax treasury would constitute moderate compensation public service therefore respectfully recommend reduction congress prefer abolish franking privilege entirely seem probable demand treasury would result propose reduction postage whether diminution make result reduction 5 cent recommend first test submit decision since commencement last session congress postal treaty great britain receive ratified relation form department two country pursuance treaty carry provision full operation attempt extend arrangement england france equally successful purpose abandon particular statement condition department matter connect branch public service refer report act 3d march 1849 board constitute make arrangement take seventh census compose secretary state make duty board prepare print form schedule might necessary full enumeration inhabitant united state also proper form schedule collect statistical table proper head information mine agriculture commerce manufacture education topic would exhibit full view pursuit industry education resource country duty enjoin upon census board thus establish perform rest congress enact law carry effect provision constitution require actual enumeration people united state within ensue year among duty assign constitution general government one local limited application account less obligatory allude trust commit congress exclusive legislator sole guardian interest district columbia beg commend interest kind attention national metropolis city washington must object general interest found auspex whose immortal name bear claim foster care congress present additional strength whatever contribute prosperity must enlist feeling constitutional guardian command favorable consideration government one limited power successful administration eminently depend confinement coordinate branch within appropriate sphere first section constitution ordain legislative power herein grant shall vested congress united state shall consist senate house representative executive authority recommend dictate measure congress perform duty executive department government rightfully control decision congress subject legislation decision shall officially submit president approval check provide constitution clause confer qualified veto never exercise except case contemplate father republic view extreme measure resort extraordinary case may become necessary defend executive encroachment legislative power prevent hasty inconsiderate unconstitutional legislation cautiously confine remedy within sphere prescribe contemporaneous exposition framer constitution people legitimately express subject legislation constitutional organ senators representative united state full effect indispensable preservation system independence representative state people guarantee constitution owe responsibility human power constituent hold representative responsible people exempt influence elevate character constituent quicken sense responsibility country circumstance elector feel choice lawmaker truly component part sovereign power nation equal care study defend right executive judicial department government preserve purity suppression entire elimination every claim tendency one coordinate branch encroachment upon another strict observance rule injunction constitution sedulous inculcation respect love union state father cherish enjoin upon child aid overrule providence long kindly guarded liberty institution may reasonably expect transmit innumerable blessing remotest posterity attachment union state habitually foster every american heart half century kingdom empires fall union stand unshaken patriot form long since descend grave yet still remain proud monument memory object affection admiration everyone worthy bear american name judgment dissolution would greatest calamity avert study every american upon preservation must depend happiness countless generation come whatever danger may threaten shall stand maintain integrity full extent obligation impose power confer upon constitution