.«,_-
bliould have been regarded by her as high-
iy beneficial. Her inability to reconquer
Texas had been exhibited, I repeat, by eight
--——--now nine——years of fruitless and ruinous
contest. In the mean time, Texas has beep
growing in population and resources. Emi-
gration has flowed into her territory, from
all parts of the world, in a current which
continues to increase in strength. Mexico
requ'ii‘és a permanent boundary between that
young Republic and herself. Texas, at no
distant day, if she continues seperate and de-
tached from the United States, will inevitably
seek to consolidate her strength by adding
to her domain the contiguous provinces of
exico.
The spirit of revoltfrorn the control ofthe
Central Government has heretofore, ’ mani-
fested itselfin some of those. provinces, and
it is fair to infer that they would be inclined
to take the first fovarnhle opportunity to pro-
claim their independence, and to form close
alliances with Texas. The war would. thus
be endless; or, if cessations of hostilities
should occur, they would endure for a season.
The interests of Mexico. therefore. _C0Uld In
-‘nothing be better consulted than in penci-
‘with her neigbors, which would result in
’the establishmjent of a permanent boundary.
5-Upon the ratification of the treaty the Exec-
utive was‘ prepared to treat with her on the
most liberal basis. Hence the boundaries
of Texas were left undefined by the treaty.
The Executive proposed to settle these upon
termsthat all the world should ‘have pro-
nounced just and reasonable. ‘ No negott. -
tion tipon tiifil point could have been un-"fer-
taken between the United States and Mexico,
in advance of the ratification of the treaty.
We should have had no right,nopoi.ver,_no
‘authority. to have conducted such a negotia-
.y_j()n, and to have undertaken it, would have
-been no assumption equally i'evoltin<.*‘to the
ipt-ide of Mexico and Texas, and subjecting
us to the charge olarrogancc-; while to have
vpropased, in advance of annexation to satisfy
Mexico for any contingentinterestshe might
have in Texas, would have been to have
treated Texas, not as an independent powv_r.
but as a mere dependency of Mexico. This
assumption could not have been acted on by
‘the Exuctllivc, without setting at defiance
your own solemn declaration that the repub-
lic was an independent State. Mexico. ll-id
it is [rut-3’ threatened war against the United
States, in the event the Treaty of Annexa-
tion was ratified. The E.'<9culi\'e C0l1ld D0l
permit itself to be influenced by this threat.
It represented, in this the spirit of our people
who are ready to sacrifice much_ for peace,
‘but nothing to intimidation. ’
A war under any circumstances, is great-
ly to be deplored, and the United States is
the last nation to desire it; but il,as the con-
-dition of peace, it be required of us to forego.
‘the unqur-stionable right of treating with an
independent power, of our own Continent,
upon matters highly interestingtcr both, and
that upon a naked and unsuslaincd preten-
sion of claim by a thirdpower, 1: ::::rcf the
‘free will of the power with whom wetre-it-
devoted as we may be to peace, and anxious
to cultivate friendly relations with the whole
world, the Execiitive does not hesitate to sav
that the People ofthe United States would
be ready to brave all consequences, sooner
than submit to such conditions, But no ap-
prehension of war was entertained by the
Executive: and I must express frankly the
opinion that had the Treaty been ratified by
the Senate, it would have been followed by
a prompt settlement, to the entire satisfaction
of Mexico. of every matter in difference be-
tween the two countries. Seeing then that
new preparations for hostile invasion of'I‘ex-
as were about to be adopted by Mexico, and
that these were brought about because Tex-
as had adopted the suggestions of the Exec
ecutive upon the subject of Annexation, it
could not passively have folded its arms and
permitted a war. threatened to be accompa-
nied by every act that could mark a barber-
ous age, to be waged against her, because,
she had done so. _
Other considerations of ii controlling char-
acter influenced the course of the Executive.
The Treaty which had thus been negotiated
had failed to receive the ratification of the
Senate. One of the chief objections which
was urged against it was found to consist in
the fact. that the question of Annexation htid
not been submitted to the ordeal of public
opinion in the United States However
untenable such an objection was esteemed to
be, in view of the unquestionable power of
the Executive to negotiate the Treaty and
the great and lasting interests involved inthe
question, I felt it to be my duty to submit
the whole subject to Congress as the b°stex-
pound:-rs of popular sentiment. No defini-
tive action -having been taken on the subject
by Congress, the question referred itself di-
rectly to the decision "of the State and the
People. The great popular election which
has just terminated, afforded the best oppor-
tunity of ascertaining the will of the States,
and the people upon it.
Peiidingthat issue, it became the impera-
tive duty of the Executive to inform Mexico,
that the question of annexation was still be-
fore the American People, and that until
their decision was pronounced, any serious
invasion of Texas would be regarded as an
attempt to forestall their judgment, and could
not be looked upon with indifference. 1 am
most happy to inform you, that no such in-
vasion has taken place; and I trust whatever
your action may be upon it, Mexico will see
the importance ofdeciding the matter by a
resort to to peaceful expedients, in preference
to those of arms. The decision of the peo-
ple and the States on this great and interest-
ing subject, has been decisively manifested
The question of annexation has been presen-
ted nrikedly to their consideration. By the
treaty itself, all collateral and incidental is-
sues which were calctilatcd todivide and dis-
tract the public councils, were carefully avoi-
ded. These were left to the wisdom of the
future to determine. It presented, I repeat
the isolated question of annexation ; and in
that form it has been submitted to the ordeal
of public sentiment.
A controlling majority ofthe People, and
a large majority of the states, have declared
in favor of immediate annexation. Instruc-
tions have thus come up to both branches of
Congress, from their respective constituents,
in terms-the most emphatic. It is the will
of both the People and of the states that Tex-
as should be annexed to the Union promptly
and immediately. It may hp ':£h0_P°‘l lhal 1“
carrying intd execution the p_ublic will, thus
declared, all collateral is,sucs' may be avoided
Future Legislation can best decide as to the
number of States which should be formed out
ofthe territory, when the time has arrived.
for deciding that question. So with all oth-
ers. By the tr’eaty,'xhet ‘United States as-
sumed the payment of the debts of Texas, to
an amount not exceeding $10,000,000; to ht’
paid with the exception ofa sum falling short
of $400,000 exclusively out of the proceeds
of the sales of her public funds. We could
not, with honor. take the lands, without as-
suming the full payment of all incunibran-
ces upon them. .
Nothing has occurred since your last ses-
siou, to induce a doubt that the disposition
of Texas remains unaltered. No. intimation
of an altered determination, on the.-part of
her Government anal People, has been fur-
nished to the Executive. She still desires to
throw herselfunder the protection of our
laws, and to partake of-the blessings of our
federative system; while every Arnerican
interest would seem to require it. The ex-
tension of our coast wise and foreign trade,
to an amount almost incalculahle-—the en-
largement ofthe market for our manufac-
tures,—-a constantly growing market for our
agricultural“pro iictions—-safety to our fron-
tiers, and additional strength and stability to
the Union-—-these are the results which
would rapidly develope themselves, upontlic
consummation of the: measure ofannexation.
In such event. I will not doubt but that Mex-
ico wculd find ‘her ‘true interest to consist in
meeting the advances of this Government in
a spirit ofamity. ’
Nor do I apprehend any serious Complaint
from any other quarter; no sufficient grottnd
exists for such compl.-tint. VVe should in-
terfere in no respect with the rights of any
other nation. There cannot be gathered
from the act, any design on our part to ‘do
so with their possessions on this Continent.
VVe have interposed no impediments iii -.the
way ofsuch acquisitions of territory, l:i'rge
and extensive as many oftliein are, as the
leading Powers of Europe lave made, from
time to time, in every part of the world.-
We SC’t:‘li no conquest made by war. No in-
trigue will have been resorted to, or acts ofi
diplomacy essayed to accomplish the annex-
ation of '1‘;-xas. Fre_e_a_n-.l independent her-
self, she asks to be received into mir Union.
ft is a question for our own decision, wheth-
er she shall be received or not.
The two Governments having already a-
greed, through their respective organs. on
tfic terms of Annexation, [would recommend
their adoption by Congress in the lor_m of =3
joint resolution or act, to Le perfected and
made binding on the two countries, when a-
dopted in like manner by the Government of
Texas.
I In order that the siil§jeitft'rr~‘._ay be fully pre-
sented in all its bcariugs,the corri-slpiiondence
which has taken place in reference to it, since
the adjournment of Congr¢=ss,,.betwecii the‘
United States, Tc-xis and Mvxico, is here-
with tran~smit_tctl.__ , ' '
The a‘i§iendii_ie_nts proposed by the Senate
to the Conveiition concluded between the U-
nited States and Mexico on the 20th of No-
vember, 1843, ’have'been’transrpitled through.
our Minister, forthc c_o_.n__cu_r,rence ofthe Mex
ican Governmeni; but tti'lllOll,'.‘;il'l-tll‘gti’fl there-
to, no action‘ has yet been had on. the" sub-
ject; nor has any answ__cr been given which
would authorize a favorable c,o_nc_lusion in
the future. i i
The Decree ofSeptcmber 1843, in rela-
tion to the retail trade-,.the order for the_ ex-
pulsion of foreigners,iantl that of a more re-
cent date in r_cgard_ to passports—a_ll of
which are considered as in violation of the _
Treaty of Amity and Commerce .beti,i'een
the two countries, have, led_to, a correspon-
dence ofconsiderablci leinigth between the
Minister for Foreign 1,“-.:l.itions and our rep-
resentative at J.Tf‘xlC0V, btit without any satis-
factory result. They remain still unadjusted
and many and ‘serious inconveniences have_
already resulted to, our citizens in conse-
quence ofthem_._ -
Questions growing out of the act of dis-
arming a body of T-xin troops under the
command of Major Snively, by an oflicer in
the service of the United States. acting under
the orders ofour Government; and the for-
cible entry into the Custom House at Bryer-
ly’s on Red River by certain citizens ofthe
United States, and taking away. therefrom,
the goods seized by the -Coll:-c't’or" ‘er the
Customs, as forfeited under the laws of Ti x
as have been adjusted; solar as the powers
of the EXBC‘lll\'9, extend. The c0rrrspon-
deuce between the two governments in ref-
erence to both st.ibjects,i.vili be found amongst
the accompauyiuig ‘documents. it contains
a full statement of all the facts and circum-
stances, with the views taken on both sides,
and the principles on which the - questions
have been adjusted. It remains for Con-
gress to make the necessary apprpprlzitlon to
carry the arrangement into effect, which I
respectfully recommend. '
The greatly improved condition of the
Treasury affords a subject for gerieral con-
gratulation. The para_lysis whi-:li bad fill-
en on trade and conimerce and" which, sub-
jected the Government to the necessity of re-
sorting to loans and the issue. of Tregisury
Notes, to a large amount, has passed away ;
and after the payment of upwards of 87.000,-
000, on the account of the interest. and in
redemption of more than $45,000 000 of the
public debt, which falls due on the" first of
January next, and setting apart upwards of
552000.000 for the payment of _oi_itstanding
Treasury Notes,.and meetingari instalment
ofthe debts of the corpornte_ci,tics of the Dis-
trict of Columbia—-—an estimated surplus of
upwards of $7,000,000 over and above the
existing appropriations will remain in ‘the
Treasury at the close, of the fiscal year.-
Slioiild the Treasury Notes continue out-
standing, as heretofore, that surpltis will be
considerably augmented. Although a_ll in-
terest has ceased upon them, and the Gov-
einrnent has invited their return to the Treas-
ury, yet they.i'emain outstanding; affording
great facilities to commerce, and establish-
ing the fact that under it well regulated sys-
tem offinance, the Government has resour-
ces within itself, which render it independ-
ent in time of need not only ofprivate loans
butalso of bank facilities. '
The only remaining sulject of regret is.
that the remaining stocks of the Government
do not-_.»f,all"-due at an earlier day; since their implements of destruction \\l1lcl‘l have "been
rederiiption would be entirely within its con- brought into service, we cannot be too active
trol.. As it is, it may be well worthy the or vigilant in preparing and perfecting the
--..- . . --...,..\.,L
s. .
-
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; . ..-,
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i
*1 “' "L
consideration of Congress, whether the law
establishing the sinking funtl——und‘er the
operation of which the debts ofthe Revolu-
tion and last war with C1'reat Britain ‘ were,
ed. Such provision, which would authorize
the -Government to go into the market for a
purchase of its own stock, on fair terms,
would serve to maintain its credit at the. high-
est point and prevent to a grear ex'ent, those
fluctuations in the price of its Securities,
which might, under other circumsiances, af-
fect its credit-. No apprehension of this sort
is, at this moment. entertained; since the
stocks of the Government wliich but two
years ago were offered for sale to capitalists
at home and abroad, at a depreciation, and
could find no purchasers; are now greatly
above par in the hands ofthe holders; buta
wise and prudent forecast admonishes its to
place beyond the reach of contingency the
public ‘credit-.
It must be a matter of unmingled gratifi-
cation, that under the existing finansiiil gs}-S.
t.ein—,rcsting on the act of 1789 and the res-
olution of l8l5—the currency of the coun-
tyr liasobtained a state of perfect soundness,
and thewratcs of exchange between different
parts ofthe Union, which in l84l. denoted
by their enormous amount, the great depre-
ciation and in fact worthlessness. of the cur-
rency in most of the States—arc now: redir-
ced to little more than the mere expense of
transporting specie from place to place, and
the risk incident to the operation. In ti new
country like that of the United States, where
so many inducements are held out for specu-
lation-—the depositorics of the surplus reve-
nue, cnnsisting of Banl-s ofnny (l9SCflp!lUn,
wheniit reaches any considerable. anioiint,
require the closest vigilance on the part of
the Government. All banking iristirutitins,
under whatever denomination they may pass
are governed by an almost exclusive regard
to the interests ofthe stockholders. That in-
lerrst consists in the augriictitation of profits,
in the form of dividends, and a large surplus
revenue entrusted to ther custody is but too
apt to lead to excessive loans and to extrava-
gently large issues of paper. As a necessa-
ry consequence, prices are nominally increa-
SL"'(l,_€l['ld the speculative mania every where
seizes" upon the public mind.
A fictitious state ofprosperity for a season
exists; and in the language of the day,
money becom s plenty. Contracts are en-
teredinto by individuals, restingion this un
substantial state oftliings, but the delusion
speedily passes away and the country is over
run with an indebtedness so weighty as to
overwhelm many, and visit every department
of industry with great and ruinous embar-
rassment. The greatest vigilance becomes
necessiry on the part of the Government to
guard against this state ofthings. The dc-
positories must be given distinctly to under-
stand that the favors of the Government will
be altogether withdrawn or substantially di-
iniriislied, if its revenues shall be regarded as
additions to their banking capital, or as the
fo_und.-«tion of an enlarged circulation. The
,Govei‘nmt-nt through its revenue, has at, all
times, an important part to perform‘ in
connection with the currency; and it greatly
dyppnds upon its vigilance and care, wheth-
E er the country be involved in embarrassmtlnts
sYimi__lar to those which it has had recently to
',en‘_c’ountcr,or aided by the action of the Treas
ury, shall be preserved in asound and heal-
thy condition. y’
_.'.l‘hc dangers to be guarded againsttarc
greatly augmented by too large a surplus of
revenue. ‘When that surplus gre.:itly fox-
cceds in amount what shall be rcquiredlby
a wise and prudent forecast to meet unfore-
seen contingencies, the legislature. itself iliay
come to be seized with a disposition to lin-
dulge in extravagant appropriations to oljccis
inany of which may and most probaly would
be found to confiict with the Constitution.
A fancied expediency is elevated above lon-
stituzional authority; and a reckless and
wasteiul extravagance but too certainly ‘fol-
lows. The important power of taxation.
which when exercised in its most t‘e~Sll‘ltl.t‘t'l
form, is a burden on labor and prodtictioit, is
resorted to, under various pretexts, for jut’-
poses having no affinity to the motives wllich
,di't‘;tati=d its grant, and the extravagance; of
“Government stimulates individual extrava-
gapce,until the spirit ofa wild and ill regula-
ted’ speculation involves one and all in item-
forturiate results. I‘ ii
iii iiew of such fatal consequences, it may
belaitl down asan axiom, founded in initial
and political truth, that no greater trfx-s
should be imposed than are on cessary foi an
a‘nd‘that whatevi-r exist beyond, shou'd7‘b'e
reduced or modifivd. This doctrine doeri in
no way conflict with the exercise of a sound
CllSCrl.tIlnallt)n in the selection ofthe articles
to be taxed, which a due regard to the pub-
lic ‘weal would at all times suggests to the
Legislaiive mind. It leaves the .range-of
selection undefined; and scuh selectbn
should always be made with an eye to the
great interests ofthe country. Composed-as
is the Union, of separate and -independent
Statcs. a patgiotic Legislature will not fail,in
consulting the interests of the parts to adopt
such course as will be best calculated to ad»
vance the harmony of the whole; anl thiis
ensure that permanency in the policy of the
Government without which all efforts to ad-
vance the public prosperity are vain and fruit-
less. This great and vitally important task
rests with Congress; and the Executive can
do no more than recommrnd the general prin-
.ciples which should govern in its execution
I-refer you to the report of the Secretary
of War, for an exhibition of the condition of
the army; and rrcommentl to yet), as well
worthy your best consideration, .m:-my of the
sugg-stions it contains. The Secretary in
no degree exaggeratcs the great importance
ofpressing forward without delay, in the
work of erecting and finishing the fortifica-
tions to which be particularly alludes. Much
has been done towards placing our citiesaiid
road steads in a state of security against the
hazards of hostile attack, within the last
four years; but considering the new elements
which have‘ been of late years employed in‘
he propelling of ships, and the formidable
economical administration ofthe Governuivrrt-
means ofdefence. l refer you, also, to his
lreport for a full statement of the condition of
the Indian tribes within our jurisdiction.
The Executive has abated no effort in car-
to a great extent, ex inguished—should not,-rying-into effectthe well established policy
without proper morlificitions, (so as to prc- of the Government, which contemplates a
vent an accumulation ofsurpluscs, and limi removal of all the tribes residing within the
ted in amount to a specific sum.) be reenact- limits of the Severai States, beyond thoselim-
its and it is now enabled to congratulate the
country at the prospect of an early consum-
mation oftliis object. M.-rriy of the tribes
have already made great progress in the arts
of civilized life, and through the operation of
the schools t-stablisht-tl among them, aided
by the efliirts of the pious men of various rc-
ligious denominatinns—who devote them-
selves to the task of their. improvement-—we
may fondly hope that the remains ofthe for-
midable tribes which were once masters of
this country will, in lllcll‘ transition from the
savage state to a condition of refinement’
and cultivation, add another‘ bright trophy to
adorn the labors of a well directed philan-
thropy.
The accompanying report ofthe Secretary
ofthe Navy will explain to youthe situation
ofthiit branch of the service. The pres.-nt
organization-cf the (l€‘pal'l.ll’l(’fll imparts -to its
operations great 1 fi'icit-ncy; but Iconcur ful-
ly in the propriety ofa division of the’ Bu-
I'l"Cll] of Construction, Equip-'iit'nl,an(l repairs
into two Bureaus. The subjects as now ar-
ranged, are incongruous and rquire to a
certain extent, information and qualifications
altogether dissimilar.
The opcra ions of the squadron on the
coast of Africaihave been C0l'lflUCl.tf.l with all
due attention to the object which led to its
organization : and Iain happy to say that
the officers and crews have enjoyed the best
possible health, under the system adopted by
the officer in comrnan-:l. It is believed .tl e
Unitcd States is the only nxtion uhich has
by its laws, subjected to the punishment of
death, as pirates. those v ho may be engaged
in the sl IVL‘ trade. A similar ennctmc-nt on
the pin of other nations would not fail to
be attended by beneficial results.
In consequence of the difficulties \\ hit-h
have existed in the way of securing titles lul'
the necessary grounds, operations have not
yet been comriiencetl towards the establish-
ment ofthe Navy Yard at M--mphis. S-i
soon as the title is pei'fectt:(l, no further delay
will be permitted to intervene. It is worthyioi
your consideration. whether Congress should
not direct the establislirricnt of a rope walk,
in connection with the contemplated Navy
Yard, as a measure not only of cconoiny,'out
as highly useful and necessary. The only
establisliment of the sort now connected \\ itli
the service is located at B--ston; and the ad-
vantages ofa siriiilar establishment conven-
ient to the hemp growing region, must be
apparent to all.
The report of the Secretary pres:-nts other
matters to your consideration, of an impor-
tant character in connection with the service.
In referring you to the accompanying re-
port of the Post Master General, it affords
are continued cause of gratification to be abl-
lo advvrt to the fact that the affairs of the de-
partment for the last four years, have been
so conducted as, from its uriaideil resources,
to meet its large expenditures. On my com
ing into office, a debt of nearly $500,000 ex-
istt-d against the Department, which Con-
gress dischargel by an appropriation from the
Treasury. Tire Department, on the 4th of
March next, “ill be found uodertlic manage.
tilt’l')l. of its present efficient head, free of
debt 0)‘ embarrassment, which could only
have been done by the observance and prac-
tice of the greatest vigi'ance and economy.
The laws l]lVC‘ contemplated throughout,
that the Department should be st-lfsnstaim-if;
but it may become necessary, with the wisest
regard to the public interests, to introduce
nmeridinents and alterations in the system.
There is a strong desire mtinifrstetl in many
quarters, so to alter the tariff of letter pos-
tage as to reduce the amount of tax at pres-
ent imposed.
Should such a meisure be carried into
cflilct, to the full extent desired, it cannot
well be doubted but that, forthe first years of
its operation, a dirt.-inishecl revenue would be
collectcd, the supply of tvliich would neces-
sarily constitute :1 ch irge upon the Treasury
Whether such a result would be desirable,
it will be for Congress to rletermine. It
may in general be asserted that radical al-
terations in any system should rather be
brought about gradually, than by sudden
changes; and by pursuing this prudent poli-
cy in the reduction of letter postage, the
Dr.*pal'lmt‘.l"ll might still sustain itself through
the revenue which would accrue by the in-
creise. of letters.
the public. Treasury has, heretofore, been
such as to hive pl‘i‘t:ltlflt‘t.l the recoinmenda-
tion of any material change. The difliculties
upon this head have, however, censor‘, and a
large discretion is now left to the Govern-
mom.
I cannot too strongly urge the policy of
authorizing the establishment of a line of
steamships regularly to ply between this
country and foreign ports, and upon our own
waters for the transportation of the mail —
The examples of the British Government is
tvt-ll worthy of ii_,i_iit-ation in this respect.-—
Tlie belief-is strongly, entertained lhul. the
emoluments arising from the trai.spor,tatinn_.
of mail matter-to foreign countries, would
operate of itself as an inducement to cause
individual enterprise to undertake tl.-at branch
of the task; and the remuneration of the
Government would consist in the addition
readily made to our steam navy in case of
emergency by ships so employed. Should
this suggestion meet your approval, the pro-
priety of placing such ships under the corn-
mand of experienced officers of the navy will
not escape your observations.
-The application of steam to the purpose
of naval warfare, cogcntly recommends an
extensive steam marine as important in esti-
mating the defences of the country. Fortu-
nately, this may be attained by us to a great
extent. without incurring any large amount
of expenditure.‘ Steam vessels to be enga-
ged in the transportation of the mails on our
principal water courses, lakes and parts of
our coast, could also be so -constructed as to
be efficient as war vessels when needed; and
would of themselves, constitute rtformidable
-- v )4. q : I,
The state and condition of
forc§in order to repel attacks-from abroad.
Wiéicannot-be blind to.the fact, that other
nations have alr_i-adv added, large numbers
ofsteamships to their mrval-armaments; and
that this new and powerful agent is destined
to revolutionize the condition of the world.
it becomes the United States therefore, look-
ing to their St‘CUl'll_V, to adopt a similar poli-
cy; and the pl In suggested will enable them
to do so at a comparativel)’ small Co.-t.
Itake the. greatest pleasure in liearing
testimony to the ze_al.and untit-in_«__r industry
which has characterized the conduct of the
members of the Execurtt-e.C;.i.io..t, Boob,
in his appropriate sphere-, has reodorott ",9
the most tflicicnt aid in Carrying out the
Government; and it will not, I trust be out
of pl ice for me to bearthis public testimony.
The cardinal objects whit-li should ever be
held in view by those entrusted with the
ailminisition of public aflnirs are rigidl y.
and wi,.liout favor or all:-ction, so to l!‘1l.t‘fpt’-tl
the natihnul will, exprt-ssed in the l-iws,as
that injustice should bedone to none—jus!ice
to all. This has burn the rule upon which
they have acted; and thus it i- believed that
f--w cases. if any exist, when-in our ft-llutt
citizens who, from time to time, have been
drawn to the stat of government for the sit-
tlement of their transactions uitli the Gov-
ernment have gone away dl5SiJllSllt(I,
\Vhere the testimony has been pcrfi-cted,
-xnd was eszeeiiird .<ati.-factory, their claims
have been promptly audited; and this in the
absence of all lavoritisrn and parti:i'ity The-
Government which is not just to its nun
people can neither claim their affection nor
the respect of the world. At the some llflif‘
the closest attention has been paid to these
matters which rt-l.it.e more imn'eli.:ely to
the great concerns of the country. Order
and €'fiiClrDCy in each hr rich of the public
service, have prevailed. arcompanhd by a
system of the most rigid rcsponsi‘ ility on
the part of the receiving and tlislt-urélng
agents. The fact, in illustraticri of th.
truth of this remark, deserves to be no-
iicv>rl,tl'i:it the revenurs of the Governuunt
amounting in the last four yrars. to upwards
of $120,000,000 have been collected and
disburs--d, through the numerous G..vcrn-
mciital agents, uiihout the loss by default,
of any an.ouut worthy ofsei'ioii.=commi ntai‘_v.
The appropriations tirade by Congress for
the improvement of the rivers of the ‘Nest,
and of the harbors on the lakrs, are in a
course ofjudicious expenditure under suita-
ble agents; and are destined it is to be-
hoped, to realize all the benefits designed to
be accoinplislictl by Congress. i cannot,
however. sirfiicienily impress iiron Congress
the great importance of uiihliolding appre-
priations from improvements which arr not
asci-rtained, by previous examination and
survey, to be nrccssary for the sl:eltrr and
protection of trade from the dangers of
storms and to-mpests. Without this precau-
tiori, the expen-Jitures are but too apt to
entire for the benefit of individuals; without
reference to the only consideration which
can render lllflll cons'itritional—tbe public
interests and the general good.
I cannot too earm-stl_v urge upon you the
intercsts of this Di:ti'ict, over which, by lll('
Consiitution.Congri ss has exclusive juris<lic-
tion. lt would b-~ (le- ply to be regr.-ttetl sl mild
thc re be, at any time, ground to com;-f.-iiu or
neglect on the part ofthe comriiuriity which
tit.-t-.iclie.rl as it is from parental care of the
States of Virginia and .\lnr_\_'lan-.l, can only
expect aid from Congress, as its local l.-gis-
lature. Amongst the sui-j cts which claim
your attention, is the pl‘0ii:pl. organization of
an asylum for the insane, who may be found
from time to time, sojourning \vitli=n the
District. Such course is also demon-.li-d’ by
consideratioris which : pply to brnnchis of
the public service. For the necessities in
this behalf. l invite your particulavatt-ntion
to the repottof the Secrt-tary of tliel\':ny.
I have thus. genil.-man of the two l-lo,use.-
of Congress. presented you 2) true and faith-
ful picture of the condition of public ilflillfs,
both foreign and (l0ll:PS'.lL‘. The items of
the public,service are made known to you;
and mailers of no ordinary ioipoitance an
urged upon your consideration. SI all Inc.-t
he perrnitto d to congratulate you on the hop
py auspi-‘cs under uhich you have asserti-
bled, and at the important change in the cor.-
dition of things which has occurred in thi-
last three. years .7 During that pt't‘iti(l ques-
tions with foreign powers of vital importance
to the peace of our country, l.l)l'€--l.L'l)£'(l by
agitating questions. has been pr:-st-rverl,_-
The credit of the Government. which had
experienced a temporary embarrassment, has
been thoroughly r--stored. lts coffers, which
for,_a season, were euipty have been replen-
ished. A currency, nearly uniform in is
value, has trken the place Ol0tlt.‘(lt’pl'f‘L‘l‘dlt’ll
and almost ttorthlcss. Commerce and
manufiictiires. which had suffered in corn-
mon with every other interest. have once
more revived; and the whole country ex-
hibits an aspect of prosperity and happiness.
Trade and barter, no longer govtrncd by a
\‘v'llll and speculative in.-nia, rests upon a solid
and sulstaniial footing; and the rapid
growth ofour citiis in every‘ direczioii, he'-
speaks most strongly the favorable circum-
stances by which we are surrounded. My
happiness, in the retirement -which shortly
awaits me, is the ardent hope which Ivxpt-ri-
enced, that this state of prosperity is neither
deceptive nor destined to be short lived: and
that measures which have not yet receiv-
ed its sanction, but which I cannot but re-
gn rd as closely connected with the honor, the
glory, and still more enlarged prosperity of
the country, are destined, at an early day to
receive the approval of Congress.
Under these circumstances. and with these
anticipations, I shall most gladly leave to
others, more able than myself, the pleasing
task of sustaining the public prosperity. I
Shall carry with me into retirement, the
gratifying reflection that, as my sole object
throughout has been to advance the public
good,I may not entirely have failed in accom-
plishing it, and this gratification is heightened
in no small degree by the fact that when,
under a deep end abiding sense of duty, I
have found myself constrained to resozt to
the qualified Veto, it has neither been fol-
lowed by disapproval on the part of the
People, no!‘ weakened in any degree their
attachment to that great conservative feature
of our government. JOHN TYLER.
Washington, December, 1844.
NORVVALK GAZE TTEL
;Wcclncs¢la}', December 11, 1844.
Coivsnnss.-—The second Session of th'e‘28ih-
Congress commenced at Wfashington on Mon-
day the 4th.
In the Senate, 27 Senators appeared in their"
places—ihe Hon. \V. T’. Mariguiii in the Chair.
After the passage ofthe customary resolutions as-
exchanging the usual messages Will] the House
the Senate adjourned.
The House was called to order at 12 o'clock-
preciscly, by the Speaker, and 175 members“
answcred to their names.
Tlie customary resolutions were thrn 8d_nplEd_
, Mr. Holmes ofiereil the usual resolution for
the appointment of Chaplains to the two Hous-
es.
Mr. Petit, of Indiana,-who llafl formerly op~.-
posed the resolution made a set sptech against
it, contending tliai it was unconstituiionhliio‘
force the people to pay for the support of yet}.
gum or religious services. It was a thing of‘
He was ready to con-
tribute $5 for his own share of the expense, but
‘he wouldnoi take a copper from the public
Trea-ury fur the purpose. It’ the tnemhoro
""°Ultl C00'TilJU|e but 32 a head, they could pay
ilie salary.
Mr. M. Kay and others stated that the appro-~
priatiori for tire object was made at the late scs--
sion. _
“M r. Peiit insisted upon his arrienrlment.
The rising debate was cut off by the previ-'
voluntary contribution.
ous question, and so M r. I’erit's amendment was
lost-—yeas 20, nays l52,and ilie original retro‘
iition \\ as carried.
Mr. Adams gave notice that he would on the
next day offer a resolution rescinding the 25th
Rule. Mr. Duncan gave notice i.-fa bill to es-
tablish a uniform day for choosing electors for
Pf€aldCl]l anti Vice President, and of-n Bill to-
rxtend the jurisdiction of U. S. over the Terri-
tory of Oregon.
The House ilicn adjourned’.
TUESDAY, Dec. 3‘.
On motion of Mr. Snur.t.lcrs, it vius V
Resolrtcl, That rlie_Siaiirling Comniittecslie
appointed accortiing to the rules and orders of
the Ilouse.
given, sent up the follon iiig resolution, written-
with his own trembling hand:
Resolved, That the 25th standing Rule. for
corirluciing business in this House, in the words
followirig:
‘No Petition, Memorial. Resolution, or other
paper, praying ilie abolition of Slavery in the
District ofColurnbia, or any State or Territo-
ry, or the Slave Trade between the States or
Tr-rriiories of the United it
now exists, shall be receivid by the House, on
cntertainetl in any way WllalsV‘er -_."
be, and the same is hereby rei=ciiided.-
States, in which
Mr. Thompson. of Miss. moved to lay this
Yeas S1, nays 104.
Mr. Adam's resolution was then put, the
resolution on the table.
jezis and nays being called, when there. Zlppear.
ed for the resol-iriiun 108. against it 80.
Thus the absurd, tyranical XXVth (formerly
XXI) Rule ofthe House which required the rejec-
tion ofall Petitions refitting to Slavery, has been re-
pealcd by adecisive vote! Tlie'S:ige ofQuincy has
won ai proud victory for the Rights of I-Iiiniuiiity.-—
May be long live to rejoice over it!
\Vhig yeas——53; Loco 55-—TotaI, 108.
Nortlierri VVhigs who voted yeti. . ..4-.3
Northern Locos “ H __ _55
Southern VVhigs -“_ H ,_ 5
Soutliern Locus, “ H __ _ 0
\Vliig na_vs—16 ; Locos 64—Total, 80.
Southern \'Vliigswho voted Nrry_ .. .16
Northern Locos ” H _ "16
I\'ortlieru W'liigs “ U _ _,0 1
Southern Locus “ H _ "48
The Presidents Message was tlieu read and ten
thousand copies with the accompanying documents
ordered to be pr'rnted,aiid refered to the committee
ofthe whale.
Mr. J. R. Ingersolf gave notice of a motion for
leave to introduce a bill to amend the Naturalization
Laws ofthe U. S‘. ;
Mr. Preston King gave a similar notice ofa bill‘ to
reduce and regulate the rates of Postage.
. Mr. G. Davis moved aresolution directing the
distribution of the fourth- instalment of the moneys
in-the treasury from the proceeds of the sales of the
Public Lands—-laid tipoii the table-—yeas 105 hays 68
The Senate transacted little business beyond the
reading ofthe message.
\Vr:ni\'i-:sn.n', Dec. 4*.
Mr. Duc-an‘s bill, appointing the first Thes-
day in November, 18-18, and the fi-rat Tuesday-
in November of every subsequent fourth year
for the election of Presidential Electors, was
read twice. 4
A motion to refer to the Committee of the
Whole on the State of the Union and to print,
making it the order ofthe day for Monday,-was
then put and carried.
The House then proceeded to the election of
a Chaplain.
On the third ballot, the Rev. W. M. Daily
Methodist. received 104 votes, and was de-
clared duly elected.
'._l‘lie Senate did little farther than elect the‘
Rev. Septimus Tuston as Chaplain.
Tnuitsnax. Dec. 5.
House.—Se\'eral noticen ofintended motions-
“’°l'° Si“-‘Us “"003 Which, was one by Mn
Barnard, for leave to introduce a bill to make
appropriations for the improvement of the navi.
gation on Hudson River near Albany.
Mr. Steen rod moved the following :
Resnl-ved, Tl-rat ten thousand extra copies of
the Report ofthe Select Committee, appointed
at the last session, on the memorial of sundry
members of the Legislature of Rbode Island
be printed for the use ofthe_House. ’
Mr. Stecnrod moved that the rules of the
House be suspended—decided in the negative.
The House adj. till 12 o’clocl: on Monday.
The Senate.—Notbing occurred of importnntre.
It continued in session but a few minutes, ape,
which it adjourned to meet at noon on Monday
next.
Mr.John Q. Adams in pursuance of notice‘
Norwalk Chronicler