The New York Herald Newspaper, December 8, 1847, Page 1

‘Whole He. 4933: THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE, DELIVERED TO BOTH HOUSES OF CONGRESS TUESDAY, DEC. 7, 1847. — Fille Ooieee of jhe ng sada and of the House of Representatives: Th ma ir meeting of Congress is always an interest- ing event. The representatives of the States and of the People come fresh their constituents to take coun- tel together for the common good. After en existence of near three-fourths of = entasy ass free and indvpen- dent republic, the problem no longer remains to be | solved, whether man is capable of self government.— The success ot our admirable system is bi apy. of re See st pe dy 0) ayers who maintain t! @ favor few” are born and that the mess of mankind must be governed by force. Subject to no arbitrary or hereditary authority, i aa recognised by our | bo pat Nig Nay em! mate of ev. lineage | | : | ttracted by the ofvil and religious free- and language, by our happy condition, annually crowd ra ‘shores, and transter Cagle heart, not Joan than their allegiance, ki the country whose dominion belongs alone to the people. , Nosountry has Mem: so much favored, or should ac- knowledze with deeper feverence the manifestations of the Divine protection. An all-wise Creator directed and ga rded us in our infant struggle for freedom, aud has constantly watched over our surp) progress, until we have become one of the great ions of the earth. Iv is in » country thus favored, and under @ govern- ment in which the executive and legislative branches hold their authority for limited periods, alike from the people, and where all are responsible to their respective constituencies, that it is again my duty to communicate with Congress upon the state of the Union, aad the prenent condition of public affairs. During the _ year the most gratifying proofs are presented that our country berg ssed AN — Spread and uaivorsal prosperity. ere er riod sinoe the government was founded, when all the industrial pursuits of our people have been more suc- cesefal, or when labor in all branches ot business has re- ceived a fairer or better reward. From our abundance we have been onabled to perform the pleasing duty of furpwhing food for the starving millions of less favered count In the enjoyment of the bounties of Providence home, such as have rarely fallen to the lot of any peopl it is cause of congratulation, that our intercourse with all the powers of the earth, except Mexico, continues to bo of am amicable character. It bas over been our cherished policy to cultivate peace and good-will with all nations; and this policy has been steadily pursued by me. No dons has taken place im ourrelations with Mexi- co since the adjournment of the last Congress. The war in which the United States were forced to e: the government of that country still continues. I deem it unnecessary, after the full exposition of them contained in my messoge of the ith ef May, 1846, and in my annuel meseage at the commencement of the session of Congress in December last, to reiterate the serious causes of complaint which we against Mexi- 00 before she commenced hostiities. {t id sudictent, on the present ovcasion, to say that the ‘wanton violation of the rights of person and property of our citizens committed by Mexico, her repeated acts of bed faith. through a long series of years,and her disre- gard of solemn treaties, stipulating foc indemnity to our icjared citizygos, mot only constituted ample cause of war on our part, but were of such an aggravated charac- ter as would have justified us before the whole world in resorting to this exteeme remedy. With an anxiousde- sire to avoid a rupture betwoen the two cvuntries, we forbore tor years to assert our clear rights by force, and continued 10 geek redress for the wrongs we bad suf- ferered by amicable nexotiation, in the hope that Mexi 0 mixht yield to pacific councils and the demands of jastice Ia this hope we were disappointed. Our mi- nister of ovace sent to Mexico was insultingly rejected ‘The Mexican government refused even to hear the terms of adjustment which he was authorized to propose; and finally, under wholly uojustifieble pretexts, involved the two countri war by Cpe the territory of the king the first ars and shedding the Though the United States were the aggrieved nation, Mexioo cumnienved the war, and we were compelled, in self defence, to repel the invader, and to vin: ite the natioggs.bonor and interests by prosecuting it with vi- gor u \til we com obiain a just and honorable On iturning that hostilitiws had been commenced by Mextoo, 1 promptiy communicated that fuct, accompe- nied with @ succinct statement of our other causes of complaint against Mexioo, to Congress; and that body. by the act of the thirteenth of May. 1845, declared that “by the uct of the republic of Mexico, a state of existe pet ween that ment apd the United States,’ this .ct declaring “the war to exist by the act of the Tepublio of Mexivo,” and making provision for its prose cution ‘to a speedy and successful termination,” was passed with great unanimity by Congress, there being but tro negative votes in the Senateand but fourteen in the House - £ Representatives. The eXistence of the war having thus been declared by Congress. it be@aue my duty, under tue constitution gud the laws, to condact and prosecute it. ‘I'his duty has been fing aah ;, and though, at every stage of ite regress, I have manifested s willingness to terminste it és & just peace, Mexico bas refused to accede to any terms which could be accepted by the United States, cousisteatty with the national honor and iaterest. The repit and brilliant successes of our arms, and the vast extent of the enemy’s territory which had been overrun and conquered, before the close of the last ses- sion of Congress, ware fally known to that body. Since that time, the war bas been prosecuted with increased energy, wad | nr pratified to state with a success which commands universal Cee vege History presents no parailel of so many glorious victories achieved by any nation within so short a period. Our army, regularsand voluvteers. have covered themselves with tinperisbable houors. Whenever and wherever our forces e en: countered the enemy, though he was in vastly superior numbers, and often entronched in fortified positions of his own selection, and of great strength, he has been de- feated. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon our officers and men, regulars and volunteers, for their lantry, discipline, indomitable courage and pe: severan ail seeking the post of danger, and vielng with each other in deeds of noble di 4 White every jot’s heart must exult, and a j' tional pride animate every bosom, in beholding the high proofs of courage, consummate military skill, steady dis- e!pline, aud humanity to anquished enemy, exbibi- ted by our gellant urmy, the mation is called to mouru Over the loss of many brave officers and soldiera who have fallen in defence of their count honor end in- ter . The bcove dead met their melancholy fate in a foreign land, nobly discharging their duty, and with their country’s flag waving triumphantly in the face of the foe. Their patriotic deeds are justly appreciated, and willlong be remembered by their grateful country- men. The ital cate of the government they loved and served should be extended to their surviving \. Shortly after the adjournuent of the last session of Congress, the gratifying intelligence was received of thy signal victory Of Buena Vista anit of the fall of the city of Vora Orus, and with it the strong castie of San Juan de Uiua, by which it was defended. Believing that atler these and other successes, 80 honorable to our arms and 80 disastrous to Mexico, the period was propitious to afford her another opportunity, if she thoucht proper to embrace it, to enter into negotiations for peace, » commissioner was appointed to proceed to the head- quarters of out army, with full powers to enter upon ne- goviations, and to conclude a just and honorable treaty of peace. He was not directed to make any new over. tures of peace, bat was the bearer ofa despatoh from the Secretary of State of the United States to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, in reply to one received from the lutter of the twenty-second of February, 1847, in which the Mexican goverument was intormed of his Sppointmenc, and of his presence at the headquarters of our army, aud that he was invested with full powers to cocolude # Gofnit:7e treaty of peace, whenever the Mex- jean governmént might sigauy w desits to dogo. While 1 was unwilling to subject the United States to anuther indignant refasal, I was yet resoived (hat the evils of the war should not be protracted a day longer than might de reudered absolutely necessary by the Mexican gov- eroment. Care was taken to give no Instructions to the com missioner which couldin any way interfere with our military operations, or relax our energies in the prosecu- tion of the war He possessed no authority in any man- ner to control these operations. He was authorized to exhibit his instructions to the General in command of the arm: ent of a treaty being concluded and ratified on the part of Mexico, be was direc'ed to ive him notice of that fact. Oa the happening of such contingency, and on recei hereof, the Gen- eral in command was instraoted by the Secretary of War to suspend further active military operations until far ther orders ‘These instructions were given with a view to infermit hostilities, until the treaty thus ratified by Mexico could be transmitted to Washington, and re- pes the action of the government of the United ita + The commissioner was also directed, on reaching the army, to deliver tothe General in command the despatch which he bore from | he Secretary of State to the minis- ter of Foreiga Affairs of Mexico, and on receiving it, the G. aeral was instructed by the Secretary of War to cause it to be transmitted to the commander of the Mexican forces, with « request that it might be comm Ricated to bis gover The commissioner did the army until after crowned our arms at Cerro Gordo, The d-spatch; which be bore, from the Secretary of War to the General ia command of the army. was re- ceived by that officer, then at Jalapa, on seventh day of May, 1517, together with the despatch from the Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, having been transmitted to him from Vera Crus. ‘The commissioner arrived at the headquarters of the army a few days afterwards His presence with the army, aod his diplomatic character were made known to the Mexican govermmont, from Puebla, on t twelfth of Jane, 1847, by the transmission of the de- spateh from the Seoretary of State to the Minister ot Foreign Aftwirs of Mexico. Many Weeks elapyed after its receipt, and no overtures were made, nOr was any desire expressed by the Mexi- can governinent to enter into negotiations for pence Our army pursued its march upon the capital,and, as it approseued li, was inet by formidable resistance Our forons urs, encountered the enemy, and achieved signal victories in the severely contested batues of Contrecas snd Churubusco, It was not until after these actions ne not reach the head-quarters of nother brilliant victory had NN Ee ee eet ee a a et Se aa a ee eins ist ae eat fe Pat eal ee Re i Sy bed red he ee eS ree Se ee ees ee 2 ee eet 2 a a SS a oe ed ok eS oh 8S had resulted in Jockin waberes, ont the capital of the emery was wit our power, t! b an govern. Sons aniensd any disposition to enter into negotia- tions for peace ; even then, as events have proved, there is too much reason to believe they were insincere, and thet in ing to go through the forms of negoti- ation, the object was to gain time to strengthen the defences of capital, and to prepare for fresh resis- tance. The General in command of the army deemed it ex- pedient to hostilities temporarily, by entering ‘ato an armistice with a view to ert of negotia- tions, Commissioners were appoint on the part of Mexico to meet the commissioner on the part of the United States. The result of the conferences which took place between these functionaries of the two go- vernmentes was « failure to conclude a treaty of peace. The commissioner of the United States took with him the projet of a treaty already prepared, by the: terms of. which the indemnity required by the United States was 9 cession of territory. It is well known that the only indemaity:whioh it is in the power of Mexico to make, in satisfaction of the just and long deferred claims ofour citizens against her, and the only means by which she can reimburse the Unit.d ‘States for the expenses of the war, is a cession to the United States of a portion of her territory. Mexico has 1DO money to pay, and no other means of making the re- quired indemnity If we refuse this, we oan obtain no- thing else. To reject indemnity, Ey soteeng, £2 accept a cession of territory, would be to abandon all our just demands, and to wage the war, besring all its expenses, without # purpose or definite object. A meyer ros cipher ps: cane te tween igerenta, and @ treaty of peace puts anon to au siaia for a —tortortious pets eqnmalting under the authority ofone government ag - ts of another, unless they are provided for treaty of peace which would ter- xisting war, ‘without providing for indemni- able Mexioc-the acknowledged debtor, and t in the war—to relieve herself from her just liabilities. By such a treaty, our citizens, who hold just demands against her, would have no remedy either ee Mexioo or their own government. Our duty to these citizons must forever prevent such a peace, and no treaty which does not provide ample means 0! discharging these demands oan receive my sanction. A treaty of peace should settle all e: ing differences between the two countries. If an adequate cession of territory should be made by such a , the United States should release Mexico from all her lsbilitfes, and assume their payment to our own citizens, If, instead of this, the United States were to consent toa treaty by which Mexico should again engage to pay the heavy amount of indebtedness which sic indemnity to our government and our citizens would impose on her, it is motorious that she does not possess the means to meet such an undertaking. From such a treaty no result could be anticipat ¢ irritating disappoint- bay attended the violations .y Suc! a treaty id be but s temporary cessation of hostili- ties, without the restoration of the friendship and good understanding which should characterize the future in- teroourse between the two countries. ‘That Congress contemplated the acquisition of terri- torial indemnity when that body made provision for the prosecution of the war, is obvious. Congreas could not have meant—when, in May. 1846, ten millions of dollars, and authorized employ the militia and naval, and military foroes of the United States, and to accept the services of fifty thou- nd volunteers, to enable him to prosecute the war; d when, at their last session, and after our army had waded Mexico, they made additional appropriations suthorised the raising of additional troops for the @ purpose—that no indwmnity was to be obtained ym Mextco at the conclusion of the war; and ye! was certain that, if no Mexican territory was acquired, no indemnity could be obtained. It is further manifest that Coegress contemplated territorial indemunity,from the fact that at their last ses- slon, an act was passed, upom the exeoutive recommen- dation, appropriating three millions of dollara with that express object. This appropriation was made~ to en- able the President to conclude @ treaty of peace, limits and boundaries with the republic of Mexloo, to be used by him in the event that said tresty, when signed by @ authorised agents of the two yovernments, and duly ratified by Mexico, shall call for the expenditure of the same, orany part thereof.” The object of aski this sppropristion was distinotly stated iu the severel messages on the subject which { communicated to Con- gress. Similar appropriations made jn 1803 and 1806 which were referred to, were intended to be applied in part consideration for the cession of Louisiana and the Floridus. In like manner it was anticipated that, iv settling the terms of a tieaty of “limits and boundaries’’ with Mexico, a cession of territory estimated to be ou! greater velue than the amount of our demands against her might be obtained, and that the prompt payment of this sum—in part consideration for tha territory ceded —on the conciusion of 8 treaty, and its ratification on her part, might be an icducement with her to make such a cession of territory as would be sutisfactory to the United States. Aud although the failure to conclude a. ees it unnecessary to use any part of the three millions of dollars appropriated by that act, and the entire sum remains in the treasury, it ie still applies to that obj-ot, should the contingency occur making such application proper, The doctrine of no terri.ory is the dootrine of no in- demnity; ead, it sanctioned, would be » public ackuow- ledgment that our country was wrong, and that the war declared by Congress with extraordiaary unsnimi- ty, was unjust, and should be sbaadoned; wn adaission unfounded in fact, and degrading to the national chs- Tacter The terms of the treaty proposed by the U nited States were not only just to Mexico, but, considering the cha- racter and amount of our claims, the unjustifiable and unprovoked commencement of hostilities by her, the ex- penses of the war to which we have been subjected, and the success which had attended our arms were deemed to be of @ most liberal character. The commissioner of the United States was author- ised to agree to the establishment of the Rio Grande as the boundary, from its entrance into the Gulf to its in tersection with the southern boundary of Nuw Mexieo, in north latitude abont thirty-two degrees, and to ob- tain a cession to the United States of the provinces of New Mexicoand the Californias, and the privilege of the right of way across the isthmus of Tehuantepec. The boundary of the Rio Grande, and the cession to the United States of New Mexico and Upper California, con- stituted an ultimatum whivh our commissioner was; under no olroumstances. to yield ‘That it might be mant'est not only to Mexico, but to all other nations, that the United States were no: dis- posed to take advantage of a feeble power by insisting upon bomen, Sa her all the other provinees, includ- ing mapy of her principal towns and cities, which we bad conquered and heldin our military orcupation, but were willing to conclude u treaty in a spirit of liberality, sur commiesioner was authorisud to stipulate for the re- storution to Mexico of all our other conquests. As tho territory to be acquired by the boundary pi posed might be estimated to be of greater value than fair equivalent for our just demards, our commissioner was auth: rised to stipulate for the payment of such ad- | oa Pecuniary congideration as was deemed reason- able. The terms of a treaty proposed by the Mexican com- missioners were wholly indmaissibie, They hegotiatad as if Mexico were the victorious, and not the vanquish- ed party. They must have known that their ultimatum could never be sovepted It required the United States to dismember Texas, by sutrend to slexico that part of the territory of that Siate lying between the Nueces and the Rto Grande, included within her limite by her inde, republi when #l to the United States ai ted by Congress as one of the States of our contained no provision for the payment b; the just claims of jour citizens. It required indemnity to Mexioan citizens for injuries they may have sustain- ed by our troops in the;prosecution of the war. It de- mapvded the right for Mexico to levy and collect. the Mexican teriif of duties on goods imported into her ports while in our military occupation during the war, acd the owners of which had paid tooflicers of the Uni- ted Scates the military contributions which had been levied upon them; and it offered to cede to the United States, for @ pecuniary consideration, that part of Upper Califorais lyiog north of latitude thirty-seven degrees. Such wore the unressonable terms by the Mex. jean commissioners. The cession to the United States, by Mexteo, of the. provinces of New Mexico and the Californias, as pro- pored by the cowmissioner of the United States, it was believed, would be more in accordance with the conve- nience and Interests of both nations, than any other,ces- sion of \erritory whieh it was probable Mexico oould’be induced to make, It is manifest to all who have observed,the actual con- dition of Mexicun government, for some yoars part, id At present, thut if these provinoes should be retain- by her, she could not long continue to hold and govern them. Mexico is too tveble # power to govern these provinces, lying as they do ut @ distance uf more thao 4 thousand miles from her capital, and, if attempt: to be retained by her, they would constitute but hort time, even nominally, « part of her dominioss. This would be especially the case with Upper Califor. nia. The sagacity of powerful European nations has, long since, dirvoted their tion to the commercial importance ef that provin id there can be little doubt that the moment the United States quish their present occupation of it, and the! usiodemnity, an effort would be made by sot power to } agp it, either by conquent or by purchase If no fereigu govern: t should acquire it ia either of these modes, au independent revoluuouary government would probably be established by the lahavitants, and juch foreigners as may remain in or remove to the country, as soon as it shall be known that the Uaiied States bave abandoned it Such » government would je long to maintain its separate independent d would finally become annexed to, or be pendent colony of some more powerful State, ould any forvign government attempt to possess it as colony, or otherwise to lacorporate it with itself, the principle avowed by President Monroe in 1824, and re- affirmed my first annus! message, that no foreign rf shail, with our consent, be permitted to plant or est apy uew colony or dominion on any part ofthe North American continent, must be meintained In aud io resisting fits invasion might be inv id more difficult paged ka inces of New Mexico and the Californias are contigious to the ts ortes of the United States, and if brought uod government of our laws, t sources—miueral, agricultural manufacturing, and com would 8000 be developed C-htornia ie bounded on the north by our Ore- foreign , wad if held by the United States, would by « hardy, enterprising, end intvitigent ‘be bay of sau Francisco ON possewsior soon be settled Portivn of our pupulatic: and other harbors elong the Californian oosst, would | be our ¢sue policy—indeed, the only policy which will afford shelter for our navy. for our numerous whale ships and other merchant vessels ed in the Pacific cone, 084 wens in short ‘under the protection of the govern- ment of the United States. Numerous bands of fleroe and warlike savages wander over it, and upon its bor- ders, Mexico has sud must to be, too feeble to restrain them committing depredations. robberies and murders, nét only upon the inhabitants of New Mexico itself, but upon thoke of the other Northern States of Mexico. it would bes blessing to all these Northern States to have their citizens protected against them by the power of the United States. At this mo- ment, many Mexicans, principally females and children, are in captivity among them. If New Mexico were held and governed by the United States, we could effectually prevent these tribes from committing such outrag and compel them to release these captives, and rests them to their families and friends. In proposing to acquire New Mexico and the Califor- las, it was known that but an inoonaiderable portion of the Mexican people would be transferred with them, the country embraced within these provinces being cbiefly an uninhabited region. These were the leading considerations which induced me to authorize the terms of ich were proposed to Mexieo. They were rejected ; and, nogotiations being at an end, hostilities were renewed. An assault was made by our gallant army upon the atr sngly forti- fied places near the gates of the city of Mexico, and upon the city itself; and, after several days of severe conflict, the Mexican forces, vastly superior in number to our wa, were driven frem the city, and it was occupied by our troops. lmamediately after information was received of the un- favorable result of the negotiations, believing that his continued presence with the army could be productive of no good, I determined to recall our commissioner A despateh to this effect was transmitted to him on the sixth of October last. The Mexican government will be informed of his recall; and that, in the existing state of things, I shall not deem it proper to make any turther overtures of peace, but shall be at all times ready to re- oars and consider auy propoeals which may be made by fexico. f Since the liberal proposition of the United States was suthorized to be made in April last, large expenditures have been incurred, and the precious blood of many of our patriotic fellow-citizens has been shed in the prose- cution of the war. This consideration, and the obsti- nate everance of Mexico in pevkmsating the war, must influence the terms of peace whioh it may be deemed proper hereafter to accept. Our arms having been every where victorious, having subjected to our milit¢ry occupation a larze portion of the enemy’s country. including his capitul, und negotia. tions for peace haviog tailed, the important questions arise—in what manuer the war ought to be prosecuted ? and what should be our future polloy? { cannot doubt that weshould secure and render a ble the conquests which we bave already made; with this view, we should hold and oscupy, b: and military forces, all the ports, towns, olties, and provinces now in our ocoupation, or which may hereafter fall into our possession; that we should press forward our milita- Operations, and levy such military contributions on e enemy as may, as fares practicabie, defray the future expenses of the war jad the goveroment of Mexico acceded to the equita- ble and liberal terims proposed, that mode of adjustment would have been preferred Mexico having declined to do this, and failed to offer any oth«r terms which could be accepted by the United States, the national honor,no less than the public interests, requires that the war should be proseouted with increased energy and power Watil o just and satisfactory peace can be obtained. In § be meantime, as Mexico retuses all indemnity, we should adopt measures to indemnify ourselves, by apvropriating permanently a portion of her territory. Early after the eummencemeat of the war, New Mexico aad che Culifor- gias were taken possession of by our forces. Our milita- fy and naval commanders were ordered to conquer and Bold them, subjwot to be disposed of by atreaty of peace ‘Phese provinces are nuw im our undisputed ocoupa- Gon, and have been s0 for many months ; all resiatance ou the part of Mexico having ceased within their limits ( om eatisted that they should never be surrendered to Mexico. Sbould Congress concur with me te thir opinion, and that they should be retained by the Uni- ted Sta es an indemnity, | can perceive no good rei why the civil jurisdio! and laws of the Uuited should uot at once be ox eanudt be good policy ; whilst our own interest, and that of the people inhubiting them, require thi bie spoasible, and free government under rity should as soon as possible, be established over them, Shoutd Congress, theretore, determine to hold thase provinces permanently, and that they shall hereafter be considered as constituent parts of our country, the early esteblishment of territorial governments over them will be important for the more pertect protection of persons and property ; aud | recommend that such territorial governments be established. It will promote peace and tranquillity among the fohabitants, by allay- ing all apprehension that they may slill entertain of being again subjected to the Tariehetton of Mexico. I invite thé early aad favorable consideration of Congress to this important subject. Besides New Mexico and the Californias, there are other Mexican provinces which have been reduced to our possession by conquest. These other Mexicun pro- vinces are now governed by our military and naval com- manders, under the general authority which is confer- red upea a conqueror by the lows of war. They should continue to be held a8 @ means of coercing Mexico to aocede to just terms of peace. Civil as well as military offloers are required to conduct such a government.— Adequate compensation to be drawn from contributions levied on the enemy should be fixed by law for euch offl- cers as may bethus employed. What further provision may become necessary, aud what final disposition it may be proper to make of them, must depend on the future progress of the war. and the course which Mexico may think proper hereafter to pursue, With the views I entertuin, | cannot favor the poliey which has been suggested, either to withdraw our army altogether, or to retire to a designated line, and eimply hold and defend it. To withdraw our army altogether from the conquests they have made by deeds of uoparal- elled bravery, and at the expense of 80 much blood and reasure, ing war on our part, and one which, b: @ act of the enemy, we could not honorably have avold- od, would be to degrade the nation in its own estimation and in that of the world To retire to @ lixe, simply hold and defend it, would not terminate the war, On the contrary, it would encou: Mexioo to persevere, and tend to pro- tract it indefinitely. It is not to be expected that Mex!- co, after refusing to establish such a ii. as a permanent boundary, when our victorious army are in possession of her oapital, and in the heart of her country, would permit us to hold it without resistance. That she would continue the wax, andin the most harassing and an forms, there can be no doubt. A border war- fare of most savage Character, extending over a long Mne would be uaceasingly waged. It would require a nye urmy to be kept constantly in the fivid, stationed and along such « line, to prote: pid ar yy geetincee ine, to protect aad ‘fg relieved from the pressure of our arms on bis coasts and in the populous parts of the inte- rior, would direct his attention to thin line, and, iug an isolated post for attack, would concent; forces upon it. This would be a condition of which the Mexicans, pursuing their favorite system of guerilla warfare, would provably pref-r to any other. Were we to assume a defensive attitude on such a line, all the advan‘ages of such te of war would be on the side of the enemy. We could levy nv centribu- tions upon him, or in any other way make bim feel the pressure of the war, but must remain inactive an his approach, being in constant uncertainty point on the line, or at what time, be might m: nault. He ms assemble sad organise whelming force [n the interior, on his own side of the line, and, conceatiag his purpose, make a endden assault upon one some of our Mons | 80 distaot from say other ag to prevent the ponsibility of timely suovor or rain forcements ; and in this re our galinnt army would be exposed to the danger of being cut off in detail; or if, by their unequalled bravery and prowess evorywhere exhibited during this war, they should repulse the ene- my, thetr numbers stationed at any one post may betoo small to pursue him. Ifthe enemy be repulsed in one attack, he would have nothing tu do but to retreat to his own side of the line, and, md in no fear of a pur- suing army, may reinforce himself at leisure for another attack on the same or some other post. He may, too, oevas the line between our posts, make rapid incursions into the country which we hold, murder the inhabitants, commit depredationa on them, and then retreat to the interfor before # sufflcient force can be concentrated to pursue him, Such would probably be the harassing obaracter of ® mere defensive war on our part. If our forces, when attacked, or threatened with attack, be permitted to cross the line, drive bas; the enemy, aod conquer him this would be ageta to invade the enemy's country, after having lost all the advantages of the con- faire quests wo hi already made, by having voluntarily @bandoned them. To hold such w line successfaily and in reourity, it is far from being certain that it would not require as large would be neceary to hold all the conquests the prosecution ot tl * country, [tis also fur from being certain that the ex- Penses of the war would be diminisued by such @ policy. Persunded that the best means of vindicating the national honor ead interest, and of bringing the war to an honorable close, will be to prosweate it with increased energy and power in the vilal parts of the enemy's country. In my annual message to Congress, of December inst, I declared that” the war has not been waged with » view to conquest; but having been commenced by Mex ico, it has beewa curried into the enen country, sud will be vigorously prosecuced there, witi ‘lew to obtain a0 honoraole peace, aad thered: ure wpie ladem ty for the expenses of the war, ii as to our mu injured citiseus, who hold large pecuniary demands sgeinst Mexico.” Such, in my judgment, continues to ly made, and to contin probably secure s permanent It has never beem contempl-ted by me, as am object of | and collect « military contribution upon all vessels the war, to mabe. uesumen conan of he ech merchandise which might enter any of the ports of Bex- of Mexico, or to sunihilate her separate existence as an | ico in our oe! and to euch contri- peeepentont nation, On the contrary, it has ever been | butions towards the expenses of thewar. By my that she should maintain her nationality,and, | virtue of the right of conquest and the laws of war, the @ good government, adapted to her condition, be | conqueror, consul! his own safety or convenience, 8 free, independent and prosperous republic. The United | may either exclude commerce altogether from ‘fret be issued to our military and naval commanders to among the nations to recogoise her | all such independence, and have always desired to be on terms of | tions as On the thirty-first of March last, I caused an order to may prescribe. Before the principal ports of amity end.good neighbor! with her. This she would | Mexico were kaded our navy, the revenue de- not suffer. By her own conduct we have been compelled | rived from im duties, under the laws of Mexico, to engage in the present war. Io its proseoution we was into Mexican 3 these ports seek not her overthrow asa nation; but,in vindicating | bad into our milit the blockade was our national honor, we seek to obtain redress for the | raised. and commerce wit upon pre- belrsan rhe has done us, and {ndemnity for our just de- | scribed terms and conditions. They were opened to the against her. ‘e demand an le peace; | trade of all nations upon the payment of duties more end that peace must bring with it indemnity for the | moderate in their amount than those which had been past. and security for the future. Hitherto Mexico has | previously levied by .Mexioo; and the revenue, which peo’ ‘all accommodation by which such « peace could ° 4 Whilst our armies have advanced from to victory, from the commencement of the war, it has at the officers, soldiers and sailors of our army. always been with the olive branch of peace in’ their | nd navy should be operations of the han nd it has been in the power of Mexico, at every | Order; and as the merchandise imperted upon which the be, to arrest hostilities by accepting it. must be consumed by Mexican citizens, Ine great obstacle to the inment of peace has un- | the contributions exacted were, in effect, the seizure of eee from the fact, that Mexico has been so | the public revenues of Mexico, and the application of doul long held, ubjection by one faction or milit ‘usur- aed after another j,and such has been the condition of insecurity in which their successive governments have been placed, that each has been deterred from making Pesos, lest, for this very cause, a rival faction might expel it from power. Such was the fate of President Herrera’s administration, in 1545, for being disposed even to listen to the-overtures of the United States to prevent the war, as is fully confirmed by an official cor- respondenoe which teok place in the month of A it last, between him and his government, a copy of which is herewith commu) “For this cause alone the revolution which him from power was set on foot” by General Such may be the condition of insecurity of the ens government, There can be no jot that the peaceable and well- disposed inhabitants of Mexico are convinced that it is the true interest of their country to conclude an honor- eble peace with the Umited States, but the apprehension of becoming the victims of some military faction or usurper may have prevented them from manifesting their ara A by any public act The removal of oar such apprehension would probably cause them to speal their sentiments freely, and to adopt the measures ne- cessary for the restoration of peace. With a people dis- tracted and divided by contending factions, an 50- vernment subject to constant changes, by successive revolutions, the continued successes of our arms may fail to seoure tisfactory penes. In such event, it may become proper for our commanding generals in the field to glve encouragement and assurances of protection to the friends of peaco in Mexico iin the maintenance ofa free republican gover own choice, able and willing to conclude a peace which yuld be just to them, and secure to us the indemnity mand This may bscome the only mode of obtain- ing: such @ peacd. Should such be the result, the war which Mexico has forced upon us, would thus be con- verted into an enduring blessing to herself, After find- ing her torm and distracted by factions, and ru'ed by itary usurpers, we should then leave her with a re- publican government in the epjoyment of real indeperd- ence, and domestic peace and prosperity, pertorming ‘her relative duties iu the great family of nations, d promoting her own happinuss by wise laws and their fathful exocution. If, after aifording this encouragement and protection and after all the persevering and sincere ¢, from the moment and prior to that time, t her, ball ultimately fall, then we shall bay. ted all honorable means in pursult of peace, continue to occupy her country with our troops, sting the fall measure oj ens into our own bands, an must enforce the turms which our honor demands. To act otherwise,in the existing state of things in Mexico, and to withdraw our army without a peace, would not only leave all the wrongs of which wecom- plain unredrossed, bat would be the signal for new and fierce olvil disuansious aad new revolutions —ll alike hostile to peaceful relations with the United States Besides, there is danger, if our troops were withdrawn before a peace wae concluded, that Mexioan people, wearied with sucovssive revolutions, and deprived of protection for their persons and property, might at length be inclined to yield to foreign influences, and to cast themselves into the arm of some Europsan mon- arch for proteotion from thy anarchy and suffering which would ensue. Tis, for our own safety, and in pursu- ane of our established poliey, we should bs eompelled to resist. We could uever soaseut that Mexioo should be thus converted iato a monarchy governed by a foreign rinoe. : r Mexico is our near neighbor, and her boundaries are oo-terminous with ourowa through the whole extent scross the North American continent, from ocean to Both politically and commercially, we have the deepest interest in herregeneration and prosperity, In- deed, it is impossible Shat, with ar Juat regard to our own Fafety, we oan ever become indifferent to her fate. It may be that the Mexican government and people have misconstrued or misunderstood our France, and our objects, in desitiug to conclude ap amicable ad. justment of the existing differences between the two countries. They may have supposed that we would sub- mit to terms degrading to nation ; or they may have drawn f.\se inferences from the supposed division of opinion in the United States on the subject of the wi ‘and may have calculated to gain much by protracting it: and, indeed, that we might ultimately abandon it alto- gether, without insisting on any indemnity, territorial - or otherwise. Whatever may be the false impressions under which they have acted, the adoption and prosecu- tion of the energetic policy proposed must soon unde- ceive them. In the future prosecution of the war, the enemy must | be made to feel its pressure more than they have hereto | fore done. At ita commencement, it was deemed proper to conduct it ima spirit of forbearance’ and liberality. With this end in view, oo measures were adopted to | conciliate, as far asa state of war would permit. the mass of the Mexican population; to convinces them shat the war wae waged not against the peaceful inhabitants of Mexico, but against their faithless government, which had commenced hostilities; to remove from their minds the false impressions which their designing and interost- | ed rulers had artfully attempted to make, that the war | on our part wasone of conquest, that it was @ war against their religion and their churches, which were to be desecrated and overthrown; and that their rights of person aud private property would be violated. To re- move these false impreesions,our commanders inthe field were directed serapulousty to respect their religion, | their charches, and their church property, which were in no manner to be violated ; they were directed also to rrepect the rights of persons and property of sll who should not take ve arms against us. Assurances to this effect were given to the Mexican people by Major General Taylor, in = proclamation is- sued in pursuance of ivatractions from the Swcretary of War, in the month of Jaue, 1546, agein by Major General Scott, who acted upon his convictions of | the propriety of issuing it in proclamation of the llth of May" 1847. la this spirit of liberality and conciliation, and with a view to prevent the body of the Mexican’ population from taking 5, arms ot Us, the war conducted on our part. frovisions and otaer suppites furnished to our army by Mexican citizens were paid for at falrand liberal pricea agreed upon by the parties After the lapse of @ few months, it became Spparent that those | agsuranc had failed to pro- duce the desired effect upon the Mexican populatio While the war had been conducted on our part aco ing to the most humane and liberal principles observed by olvilized nations, {t was waged ia on the part of Mexico. Not appreo! ance, the Mexican people generally became hostile to the United States, ind availed themsyves of every op- portunity to commit the most savage excesses upon our troops. Large numbers of the population took up arms, and, engaging in guerilla warfare, robbed and murdered in the most cruel manner individual soldiers, or small whom accident ,or other causes had separated main body of our army; bands of guerilleros and robbers infested the roads, harasse. our trains, and, whenever it was in their power, out off our supplies. The Mexicans having thus shown themselves to be wholly incapable of appreciating our torbearance and liberality, it was deemed proper t+ change the manner of condacting the war, by making them feel its pressure according to the usages obsurved under similar circum- stances by all other civilized nations. Accordingly, os varly as the twenty-second of Septem- her, 1946, instructions were given by the Seoretary of War to Major Gen. Taylor to “draw supplies’’ for our army “from the enemy, without paying for them, and to require contributions for its support,” if in that way he was satisfied he could © get abundant supplies for bis forees’ In directing the execution of thease inetruc- tions, much was necessarily lef: to the discretion of the commanding offloer, who was best acquainted with the circumstances by which he was surrounded, the wants ofthe army, and the practicability of enforcing the mea- 1 ure. Gon, Taylor, on the twenty-sixth of October, 1846, re- plied, from Monterey, that ‘it would have been impossi- ble hitherto, and is 70 now, to sustain the army to any extent by forced contrivations of money or supplies.”’ For the reasons assigned by him, he aid not ‘adept the policy of his instructions, but declared his readiness to do 90, ‘ should army, in {ts future operations, reach # portion of the couatry which may be made to supply the troops with advantage.” He continued to pay fur the articles of supply which were drawn from the ene- my’s country. Similar instructions were irsusd to Msjor General Soott on the third of April, 1847, who repli d, from Ja- laps, on thy twentieth of May, 1947, that, if it be ox- peeved that * army is to support itself by forced contribution: 1d upon the country, we may ruin and exasperate the inhabitants, aud starve ourselves.” The same discretion was given to him that had been to to Gen Taylor in this respect. Gen. Scott, for the rea- son assigned by him, also continued to pay for the ar- tielen,of supply for the army which were drawn from the enemy After the army had reached the heart of the most | wealthy portion of Mexico, it was supposed that the obstuciea whieh had before that tine nted it would not be such as to render impraotion! of forced contrivutions for ite suppor’; and of September, Aud egain on the sixth of Oovober, 1847 Lhe order was repeated ia dexpatohes addreseed by the Seoreiacy of War to General So ad his attengion Was aguin called to che importance to: Uh Vear the burdens of the war by requ wish the means of supportiog Our army eoted to adopt this policy, unless, by doi them to our own use. this measure, the object was to compel the enemy to contribute, as far as practicable, towards the expenses of the war. For the amount of contributions which hava been levied in this form, I refer you to the accompanying re- ports of the Seeretary of War, and of the Secretary of the Navy, by which it appears that a sum exceeding on of doliars has been collected. ‘This amount would undoubtedly have been much larger but for the diffoulty of keeping open communications between the coast and the interior, so.as to enable the owners of the merchandise imported, to transport and vend it to the inhabitants of the ea It is confi dently expected that this difficulty will, to a great extent, be s00n removed by our inoreased forces, which have been sent to the field. Measures have recently been adopted, by which the fon as welt ra sxtecualizevensoy 0 Mexico, in all im our military oocupation, seized and ap- propriated to the use of ourarmy and navy. The policy of levying upon the sacar contributions im every form, consistently with the laws of nations, which it may be practicable for our military comm: ders to adept, should, in my judgment, bo rigidly en- forced, and orders to this effect have acvordiugly been given. By such a pollay, at the same time that our owa treasury will be relie from» heavy drain, the Mexi- can people will be made to feel the burdens of the war, and, consulting their own interests, may be induced the more readily to require their rulers to accede to a just peace. After the adjournment of the last eeesion of © ores events transpired in the prosecution of the war which, in my judgment, required « greater number of troops in the field than had been anticipated. The strength of the army was accordingly increased by “aocepting” the services of all the volunteer forces authorized by the act of the 13th of May, 1846, witheut putting s construction on thatact, the correctness of whioh was seriously ques- tioned. The volunteer forces now in the field, with those which bad been “accepted,” to “serve for twelve peers and were discharged at the end of their term of servis xbauat the fifty thousand men authorized by Had it been clear thats proper construction t warranted it, the services of an additional number would have beea called for and accepted; but Bonin existing upon this point, the power was not ex- eroised. It is deemed important that Congress should, at an early period of their seesion, confer ths authority to ralsy on additional regular force to serve during the war with Mexico, and to be discharged upon the conclusion and ratification of a treaty of peace. | invite the atten- tion of Con, to the views presented by the Secretary of War in bis report uponthissubjuet I recommend, also, that authority be (Mon by law to call for and accept the services of anadditional number of volunteers, to be exercised at such time and to such extent as the emorgeucies of the service may require. In proseouting the war with Mexico. whilst the utmost care has been teken to avoid every just cause of com- plaint on the part of meutra! nations, and none has been given, liberal privileges have been granted to thelr com- pater in the ports of the enemy in our military ocoupa- tion. The difloulty with the Brazilian cee ot which at one time threatened to interrupt the friendly relations between the two countries, will, | trust. be speedily ad- usted. Ihave received information that an envoy ex teaordimary and minister plenipotentiary to the Uaied Btatan will ab: rtly be uppolated by lis Imperial Majesty; and it ishoped be will come instracted and prepared to adjust all remaining differences between the two govern- vote ia ® mani ace tle and honorable to both In the meantime,! ry Feason to believe that nothing hes ocour to interrupt our amicable relations with Bra ai It has been my constant effort to maintsin and culti- vate the most intimate relations of friendship with all the independent powers of South America; and this olicy has buen attended with the happiest re: is true, that the lement and payment of man; claims of Aaeri tisens againsc these nations have been long dulayed. The peculiar position in which they have been placed, and the desire on the part of my pre- decessors, as well as myself, to grant them the utmost in- dulgenoe, have hitherto prevented these ciaims from be- jog urged in a manner demanded by strict justice. The t me bas arrived when they ought to be floally adjusted end liquidated, avd efforts are now making for that pur- pose. It is proper to inform you that the government of Pern bas in good faith pald the first two instalments of the in- demnity of thirty thousand dollars o: ad the greater portion of the interest due thereon, im execution of the convention between that government and the United States, the ratifications of which were exchanged at Lime on the thirty-first of Ootober, 1846. The Attorney General of the United States, early in August last, com- pleted the adjudication of the claims under this conven- | tion, aad meade his report thereon, in pursuance of the sot of the eighth of August, 1848 The sums to which the claimants ere respectively entitled will be paid on de- mand at the treasury. 1 invite the early attention of Congress to the present condition of our citiaens in China. Under our treaty with that power, American citizens are withdrawn from the jurisdiction, whether civil or criminal, of the Chinese government, and placed under that of our pub- lic functionaries in that country. By these alone cau our citizens be tried and punisned for the commission of any orime; by these alo: n questions be decided between them, involving t! ights of person and pro- perty; and by these alone can contracts be enforced, into which they may have entered with citizens or subjects of foreiga powers. The merohant vessels of the United States ying in the of the five ports of China open to foreign commeree are under the exclusive jurisdiction of officers of their own government. Until Congress shall ertablish competent tribunals to try and punish crimes, and to exercise jurisdiction in civil cx: in China, American citizens there are subject to no law whatever. Crimes may be committed with and debts may be contracted without any m force their payment. Inconveniences have already re- sulted from the omission of Congress to legislate upon the subject, and still greater are apprehended Ti " British authorities in China have already complained that this goverument has not provided for the punish- ment of crimes, or the enforcement of contracts against American citizens in that country, whilst their govern- ment has established tribunals by which an Aterican citizen can recover debts due from Britisn subjucts. Ace’ as the Chinese are to summary justice, they could not be made to comprehend why criminals who are citizens of the United States rhould escape with impunity, in violation of treaty obligations, whilst the punishment of # Chinese, who had committed any crime against an American oitisen, would be rigorously exacted, lodved, the consequences might be fatal to American citizens iu Chins, should bpd crime be committed by any one of them upon a Chinese, and should trial and punishi not follow aecording to the requisitions of the tre This might disturb, if not destroy, our friendly relations with that empire, and cause an inter- raption of our valuable commerce. Oor treaties with the Sublime Porte, Tripoli, Tunis, Morocoo, and Mus also require the legislation of Congress to hewert Aa into execution, though the ne- censity for im! ite action may not be so urgent as in regard to China, ‘The, Beoretary of State has edbmitted an estimate to defray the expense of opening dipiomatic relations with the Pupal States. The interesting political events now in progress in these States, as well as s just regard to our commercial interests, have, in my opinion, rendered such measure highly expedient Katimates have also bien submitted for the outhts aud salaries of chargés d’affaires to the republics of Bolivia, Guatemals, and Ecuador. The manifest importance of cultivating the most iriendly relations with all the inde- pendent States upon this continent has induced me to Fecommend appropriations necessary for the mainte- nance of these missions. | recommend to Congress that an appropriation be made, to be paid to the Speninh government for the pur- pone of distribution among the clafmants in “the Amistad case.” | entertain the conviccion that this is due to Spain under the treaty of the 20¢h of October, 1795; and, moreover, that, from the earnest manner in which the claim coutinaes to be urged, #0 long as it shall remain ‘upsettied, it will be a souree of irritation and discord be- prove highly pre- Judictal to the Stator. Good po- licy, no jess than ® faithiol compliance with our treaty requires that the inconsiderable appropria- Jed should de made. statement of the condition of the finances nted in the annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury The importa for the lust fiscal year, ending on the 40th of June, 1847, were of the vai if one hundred and forty-six million, five hundred forty-tive thousand, six hundred and thirty-eight doi of which the amount exported was eight miilioo el thousand, one hundred and fifty-eignt dollars, OK one hundred and tbirty-eight miilion. five hundred aoa thirty-fourg thousand, four hundred and eighty dol- lars to the oouatry for domestic ase The value of the exporte for # period, was one huadred and fifiy- eight miilion, indred and for y-eight thousand, six hundred and twenty-two de ; OF which oue hi und fifty miilionsix bandred ond thirty-sev four hundred and sixty-four dollars, 00 Toestic protrere’ ight million, eleven thousand, one bhnndred and fifty wight , of foreign articles receipts mto the trens e period y-#ix million turee huadred and forty en hundred aod ninety dollars aod Price Two Cents. lieu four hundred and ninety-eight thousan 4 three bua- dred and thirty-five dollars and twenty cents; and from incidental and miscellaneous sources, one hundred thousand five hundzed and seventy dollars and fifty-ome cents. The last fiscal year, during whieh this amoust was received, em| five under the f the tariff act of 1842, and sev. di whieh the tariff act of 1846" wen tn force,” Daring the, fve int ag bundred and fitty-; lare and seventy-six cen The net revenue fom customs during the: ing on the first of » 1846, the under the operation ef the tariff act two million nine hundred and sev four hundred and Shree Getler and Fi Beant ate crease of revenue for the of 1846, of more than eight m! five hundred seem snliens ven anenane last year under 1642. ‘The expenditures during the fiscal yeer ending on the thirtieth of June last, were fifty-nine million four hun- Sollaty aud) sisiy.tive conta; of whieh thnes neve! ani y-five cents; of wi lion five bendzed sat twenty-two ihoasend and slehty. two dollars ed thirty-seven cents wes on sccoun! yment of peinoipal, ‘and interest of the public debt, fadludiog trei notes redeemed and not funded. The expenditures. exclusive of payment ef public debt, were fifty-five million nine hundred and twenty-nine thou- sand and ninety five dollars and twenty-: ocents. It is estimated that the receipts into the Some the fiscal year ending on the thirtieth of June, 1648, including the balance in the treasury on the first of Jul; last, will amount to forty-two million eighty-six thousand five hundred and -five dollars and eighty cents, of which thirty-one million, it is esti- mated, will be derived from customs; three million five hundred thousand from the sale of the public lands; four hundred thousand from incidental sources, inclu- ding sales made by the acta of the Treasury; and i a BE b, with the balance in the treasury on the Grat of July last, mako the sum estimated. The expenditures for the same period, if peace with Mexico shall not be concluded, and the army shall be increased as is proposed, will amount, inclu: the ne- cessary payments on account of principal and interest of the public debt and treasury notes, to fifty-eight mil- lion six hundred and fifteen thousand six hundred and sixty dollars and seven cents. On the lst of the presont month, the amount of the public debt actually incurred, including treasury notes, was forty-five million six bundred and fitty-nine thou- sand six hundred and fifty-nine dollars forty cente The public debs due on the 4th of Mat it ineludin; treasury notes, was seveatecn million seven bundred an: eighty-i ght thousand a Pg and ninety-nine ae and rixty-two cents ; and conseq dition made to the publie debt stoce that time Yo twont ia seven miliion eight hundred nnd seventy thousand it hundred and“iifty-nine dollars and seventy-eight cents. Of the loan of twenty-three million. authorised by the act of the 26th of January, '846, the sum of five million was paid out to the public creditors, or exchanged at par for specie ; the remaining eighteen million was offered for apecis to the highest bidder not below par, by an advertisement issaed by the Secretary of the Trea- sury, and published from the 9th of Febvusry until the 10th of April, 1847, when it was awarded to the several highest bidders, at prem‘ums varying from one-eighth of one evut. te wo prr eentfabove par. The premiam has been paid into the treasury. and the sums awarded deposited in specie in the treasury as fant as it was re- quired by the wants of the Government. To meet the expenditures for the remainder of the present and for the mext fiscal year, ending om the thirtieth of June, 1849, a further loan, in aid of the ordi- nary revenues of the government, will be necessary. Retaining a sufficient pine in the treasury, the loen required for the remainder of the present Sscal year will be about eighteen million five hundred thousand dollars If the auty on teaand coffve be imposed, snd tbe graduation of the price of the public lands shall br made at an early period of your session, as reoom- mended, the loan for the present fiscal year may bere- duced to seventeen millions of dollars “The loan may be further reduced by whatever amount of expenditures ean be eaved by military contributions collected in Mexico. ‘he mort vigorous measures for the augmer tation of these contributions hi: been directed, and very considerable sum is expected from that source. Its amount cannot, however, be calculated with any oer- tainty Jt is recommended that the loan to be meade be authorised upon the same terms, and for the seme time, as that which was ai rized uoder the provisions of the act of the twenty-eighth of January, 1847. Should the war with Mexico be continued until the th of Junn, 1849, it is estimated thet a farther loan of twenty million five hundred thousand dollars will be required for the fisoal year emding on thet in case nu duty be imposed on teu and coffee, and ti public lands be not rediced and graduated in price, no military contributions shall e ooeseoa ie, Eamets If the duty on tea and coffee be imposed, lands be redaoea, and graduated in price, as proposed. the lean. may be reduced to reventeen millions of dollars, and will be subject to be still further reduced by the amount of the military contributions which may be collected in Mexico It is mot proposed, however, at present. to Congress for authority to sapiate this loan for next fisoal year, as it is hoped that the loan asked for the remainder of the present fi-cal year, by mili- tary contributions which may be ted in. Mexico, may be sufficient, If, contrary to my expectation, thare should be a necessity for it, the fact will be communi- cated to Convress in time for their action during the present session. In no event will » sum exceeding six million of dollars of this amount be needed before the meeting of the session of Congress in December, 1848. The act of the thirtieth of July, 1846, “ reducing, the duties on imports,’ has been in force since the first of December end | am gratified to state that all the beneficial ‘ts which were anticipated from its opera- tion have been fally realized. The public, revenue de- rived from customs during the year ing on the first of December, 1847, exceeds by more than eight millions £ EE of dollars the amount received in the ing year under the operation of the act of 1842, which was euper- weded and repealed by it. Ite effects are visivle in the great and alinost unexampled prosperity which prevails in every branch of business. While the repeal of the probibitory and restrictive du- ties of the act of 1812, and the substitution in their place of reasonable revenue rates levied on articles imported according to their actual value, has increased the reve- nue and augmented our foreign trade, all the great in- terests of the country have been advanced and pro- moted The great and important Intereste of agriculture, which had been not only too much neglected, but actu- ally taxed under the protective policy for the benefit of other of the burdens which that policy imposed on them; and our farmers and planters, under a more just aod liberal commercial peli- cy, are finding new and profitable markets a! for their augmented ducts oO idly fnereasing, and fe ext more widely the ci not erm aahange, Ore os has been the increase of Cag) it year, our exports of domestic products sold Ip foreign markets have been still greater, Our navigating interent is eminently prosperous. The freater than uriog ony presediay period ct equal engeh, reater than during any pr of eq ‘ Large profits have | Sot rived b; hrs who have con- structed us well as by those who have navigated them, are the oe of eet hind a number of our my chant vessels be progressive, an: a6 great for . ture as during the past year, the time is not toe when our tonnage and eommerciuil marine will be larger than thet of any other nation in the world, Whilst the interests of agriculture, of commerce, snd of navigation mave been enlarged and, Invi it ls highly gratifying to observe that our Manufactures are also in & prosperous condition. None of the ruinows ef- fects upon this interest which were apprehended by some, 48 the result of the operation ef the revenue ays- tem established by the act of 1846, nave been expe’ enced. On the contrary, the numberof manufacto and the amovot of capital invested in them, Js ste and rapidly increasing, affording gtatifying American onterprase and skill separ ed ip this b of domestic industry, with no other advan! 4 those fulrly and incidentally accrufog from a just of revenue duties, ere abuodantly able to meet fully all competition from abroad, and still d and remunerating profits a wages of labor, whether employed in manufect ur culture, commerce, or navigation, bave been augi The tolling millions, whose daily labor furniah. supply of food and ent, and all the necessarie. comtorts of life, are reosiving hi db stoady and permanent employment, than in any oth country, Or at avy previous period of our own history. So successful have been all branches of our ind la that a .oreign war, which generally diminishes the re- sources of a nation, has ona our onward progress, 01 our general ity. With such geatitylog evidences of ape, ntti the successful operation of the revenue act of 1846, every covsideration cf public policy recommends that it shail remain uschanged. it is hoped that the system OF timpost duties which it established imay be regarded as policy of the country, and that thé ted by it may nod aguim be sudjeo Ete | lojuriously disturbed, as they have heretofore beem, by Jrequent and sometimes sudd- nohanges. For the purpose of increasing the revenue, and with - out changing or moditying the rates imposed by the act of (846 on the dutiable articles embraced by ite provi- sions, | «gain recommend to your favorable consideration the expediency of levying & revenue duty on twa and oof- rticles foe, The polloy Hoh exempted these ai duty during peace, aud wheu the revenue to be derived from them not needed, sist when the country te ar, and requires the use of ell ite available ri tax which would by #0 gen~ erally diffused among the people, that iv would be felt Oupresmvely by nou id be compiained of by none ic is twii¢ved thay there are not, im che list of imported ar- ticlvs, any which are more properly the subject of war duces than nd coffee, {cis entimated that toree millions of dollars would be derived anuually by a moderate duty imposed on these arti¢ies éents, of whion there was derived from’ was danger of depriving the army of the neoessury sup- plies. Copies of these despatches were forwarded Lo General Taylor for his government, enty-three million seven huxdred and forty. Seven thousand eight buodred aod sixty four dollar end sixty-six cents; from sales of public lands, two mil Should C ee vail itelf of this additional source or pevenae, oply would the amount of the pubilc loan necessary by (he war with Megioo be diminish.