Etat de la Louisiane — Paroisse d t Iber rille.
Vente de Succession.
EN vertu d'un décret de l'honorable cour du
6ème District de l'Etat de k Louisiane, en
et pour la paroisse d'Iberville, en date du 17
Décembre, 1849, J'exposerai en vente publique
M pl us offrant et dernier enchérisseur,
DIercreM, te 16 de Janvier,
I860, entre 10* heures a. m . et 2 heures p. m.,
les propriétés ci-après décrites appartenant à
la
Svêcestioifde feu John Mitcheltree ,
et la à communanté qui existait entre lui et son
épouse Elizabeth Riggs.
1. Une terre ou habitation située dans la pa
roisse d'Iberville, sur le coté sud west du Low
er Grand River, mesurant cinq cent quatre vingt
huit 71-100 acres de superficie, ensemble avec
toute* les bâtisses et améliorations, qui existent
sur la dité habitation; telles que maison de ré
sidence, sucrerie, cabanes â negres, &c.
2d. Une autre terre, située dans la dite pa
roisse d'Iberville, sur la coté nord east du Low
er Grand River, mesurant trois cent soixante
trois 70-100 acres de superficie, bornée du coté
d'en haut par terre de A. G. Stringer, et en bas
par terre ae C. Adams, jr.; ensemble avec ton
tes les ameliorations qui lui appartiernent.
Ewbtrei.
3d, Lawson , nègre homme, âgé de 40 ans;
4th. Dan , nègre homme, âge de 38 ans;
5th. Annisse , negresse, âgé de 30 ans, et ses
trois enfants —6, Aaron , âgé de 6 ans; 7,E
nooh , âgé de 4 ans, et 8, Eliza , de 2 ans.
8th. Un lot de Mobilier.
Termes et Conditions de la Vente.
Les terres payables un tiers en Mars 185!,
un tiers en Mare 1852, et un tiers en Mars 1853.
Les esclaves, un tiers in Mars 1850, un tiers
en Mare 1851, et un tiers en Stars 1852.
Le mobilier payable tontes sommes de vingt
piastres et audessons comptant le jour de vente,
et tontes sommes au-dessus de vingt piastres,
peyables en Mars 1850.
Les acquéreurs fourniront leurs billets en
dossées à la satisfaction de l'administratrix de
la dite succession, payable à l'office du Recor
der de la paroisse d'Iberville, et porteront inté
rêt à raison de huit pour cent par an après
échéance. Hypothèque spéciale sera retenue
sur les terres et esclaves pour assurer le paie
ment des dits billets et intérêts.
La vente aura lien à la dernière résidence du
dit feu John Mitcheltree, dans la dite Paroisse.
J. L. PETIT. Sherif.
Paroisse d'Iberville, ce Dec. 17, 1849.-decl9
Etat de la Louisiane — Paroisse d'Iberville.
Vente de Succession.
EN vertu de trois décrets de la cour de Dis
trict, en et pour la paroisse d'Iberville —1,
un dans le procès de H. F. Deblieux, Adm'r.
de là succession de Jh. Materne vs."3. P. Breaux,
en date du 12 Sept. 1849; 2, un autre dans la
succession de Joseph Materne de la même date;
3, le troisième dans la succession de Jacques
Piercire Breaux, en date du 13 Dec. 1849—
J'exposerai en vente publique ou plus offrant et
dernier enchérisseur —
Samedi, le 19 Janvier, 1850,
sur l'habitation ci-après décrite à 10 heures a.
m ., les propriétés ci-après décrites apparenant
aux successions de Joseph Materne et Jacques
Piercire Breaux, et à la société qui existait en
tre eux, savoir;
1. Propriétés de la dite société:
Une habitation située dans la dite paroisse,
sur la rive ouest du bayou Grosse Tête, mesu
rant neuf arpents de face au dit bayou sur qua
rante arpents de profondeur, plus* ou moins,
borné en haut par terre de Wm. Briggs, et en
bas par terre de Marcelin Bossié, ensemble les
bâtisses et améliorations, telles que sucrerie,
moulin, &c. &c.
Les dis Esclaves, ci-après"nommés:
Bill, âgé de 27 ans;
Isaac, âgé de 30 ans;
Tom, âgé de 20 ans;
Young Eloi, âgé de 20 ans;
Old Eloi , âgé de 40 ans;
Synda, âpc de 30 ans;
Viney, âge de 39 ans;
François alias Puss, âgée de 20 ans;
Marguerite, âgée de 21 ans, et son enfant
Isaac, âgé de 3 ans.
Aussi que le mobilier appartenant à la dite
habitation, ainsi que les chevaux, bêtes-à-cor
nes, &c. & c.
Biens de la succession de feu Joseph Materne:
Les Quinze Esclaves, ci-après nommés:
Jim, âgé de 36 ans;
Draustn, âgé de 26 ans;
Bazile, Agé de 17 ans;
Ovide, i-gé de 14 ans;
Alexandre, âgé de 13 ans;
Ursin, âgé de 12 ans;
Rosalie, âgée de 46 ans, et ses deux en
fants, Isaac, Agé de huit ans, et Vieiorine,
âgée de 3 ans.
Marie, âgée de 30 ans, et ses 4 enfants,
, j » ■ « i ,
Alfred, âge de 8 ans; Baptiste, âge de 5
an r âg * de3allS ' eUon V* til |
enfant agt d un an; J
Rosette, âgée de 25 ans. _ !
Le mobilier appartenant â la dite succession,
Vente.
,, *. .
L'habitation payable $7000 comptant, et la ■
WltiMitt Mars 1850, uti tier- en Mars i
tier! «D Mars 1852. Les esclaves i
IT à % société payables, la moitié I
■ comptant,' et la balance payable en Mars !850,
j 1851 et
j Les esclaves appartenant â la scccession de
' Joseph Materne payables comme suit savoir
Rosalie, et ses deux enfants $200 comptant;
Marie et ses quatre enfants $200 comptant; et
Diausiii) Jim, Bazile, Ovide, Alexandre, Ursin
et Rosette cliaem $100 comptant, et la balance
; payable en trois termes égaux comme ci-dessus.
Le mobilier payable tontes sommes n'excé
dant pas $10 comptant, et tontes-sommes au
dessus de $10 payables en Mars I?o0.
I.es acquéreurs fourniront leurs billets endos
sés à la satisfaction des administrateurs; pour
les propriétés de la société les acquéreurs four
niront deux billets, chacun pour la moitié de
chaque terme endossés comme ci-dessus les
quels billets seront payables au bureau du Re
order delà dite paroisse, et eil cas de non
payment à échéance, ils porteront intérêts à 8
pour cent per an. Hypothèque speciale sera
retenue sur la terre et les esclaves pour sûreté
du paiement des dits billets et tous intérêts
eventuels. Actes de vente parderant le Recor
der aux frais des acquéreurs.
J. L. PETIT, Shérif.
Iberville, 18 Dec. 1849.
Succession de R:ch'd i Cour du 6; me Di -iric ,
H. Hinds, No 120, pe- > Paroisse d'Iberville ,
tition pour l'adm'n. ) Etat dt la Louisiana.
ATTENDU que Alexander G. Stringer a
présent: une petition .< la cour ù l'effet
d'obtenir les lettres d'administration à la suc
cession de Richard H. Hinds, d cédé, avis e*t
par le présent de donné à tous ceux que cela
peut concerne d'avoir à déduire sous dix
jours les raisons pour lesquelles il ne serait
pas fait droit à la dite petition.
Par ordre de la cour ce 7 Jan. 1850.
j
I
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i*4c\
4ND
OFFICIAL JOURNAL.
• ■■■
PLAQUEMINE, LA., PARISH OF IBERVILLE, JANUARY 1(3, 1850.
VOLUME II.—NO. 24.
Sitiie iif Louisiancc—Parish of Iberville.
Succession Sale.
BY virtue of a decree or order of the hon
orable6th District Court for the State of
iLouisiana, in and for the parish of Iberville,
bearing date the 17th of December, 1849, I
will offer at public sale to the highest and last
Wdder, on
'Wednesday, 16th of January,
]850, between the hours of 10 a. m ., and 2 p.
M., the following described property, belonging
to the
Snccessio?*. of John Mitch«ltree,
and to the .community which existed between
said deceased and his surviving widow, Eliza
beth Riggs.
1st. A PLANTATION OR TRACT OF
LAND, situated in the parish of Iberville, on
the south west side of Lower Grand River,
containing 588 71-100 superficial acres, toge
ther with the buildings and improvements
thereon being and belonging, consisting in
Dwelling House, Sugar House and mill, and
all the Apparatus for making Sugar.
2d. Another Tract of Land, situated in said
parish, on the north-east sidp of Lower Grand
River, containing 363 70-100 superficial acres,
bounded above try land of Alexander Stringer,
and below by lUnd of C. Adams, jr., together
with all the improvements thereon being and
belonging.
Slaves.
3d.- Lawson , negro man, aged 40 years;
4th. Dan , negro man, aged 38 years;
5th. Annisse , negro woman, aged 30 years, and
lier three children— 6, Aaron , aged 6 years,
7, Enoch , aged 4 years, and 8, Eliza , aged
2 years.
9th. A Lot of Moveables.
Terms of Sale.
The Lands payable one-third in March«fc851,
one-third in March 1852, and one-third in
March 1853. The moveables, all sums of $20
and under payable in cash on the day of sale,
and all sums over $20 payable in March, 1850.
Purchasers to furnish notes endorsed to the
satisfaction of the Administratrix of said suc
cession, payable at the office of the Recorder of
said parish, and to bear eight per cent interest
per annum, from time due till paid. Special
mortgage to be retained on the Luids and slaves
to secure the payment of said notes and inter
ests.
Sale to take place at the last residence of said
deceased, in said parish.
* J. L. PETIT, Sheriff.
Parish of Iberville, Dec, 17,1849. decl9
State of Louisiana—Parish cf Iberville.
Sucesesion Sale.
BY virtue of three decrees of the District
Court of the parish of Iberville; 1st, one
in the suit of H. F. Deblieux, administrator of
the succession of Jos. Materne, vs. J. P. Breaux,
for a partition, dated 12th September, 1349—
2d., another in the matter of the succession of
Jos. Materne, dated on the sa ma day—and 3d,
another in the matter of the succession of Jac
ques Piercire Breaux, dated the 18th Decem
ber, 1849—1 will proceed to sell at public auc
tion, on
Satariay, Ittk January, 1990,
on the plantation hereinafter described, com
mencing at the hour of 10 x. the following
property, real and personal, being that of the
Successions of th* taii X Materne and J.P.
Breaux, deceased,
and of the pHrinërsliin wfaieh existed betwean
•them, to wit:
Property of said partnership, and belonging
to the saiJ two successions, in equal undivided
shares: .
A PLANTATION, or tract of Land lying
and situate in this parish, on the west side of
Bayou Grosse Tete, measuring nine arpents
front on said bayou by forty in depth) more or
less, bounded above by land of Win. Briggs,
and below by land of -Marcellin Bossié; said
land established and cultivated as a sugar plan
I tation.
Ten Slaves:
Bill, aged about 27 years;
Isaac, aged about 30 years;
Tom, ngH about 20 years;
young Eioi, aged about 20 years;
Old Eloi, aged about 40 years;
Synda, aged about 30 years;
Viney, aged about 39 years:
François alias Puss, aged about 20 years;
Marguerite, aged about 21 years, and her
child Isaac, aged about 3 years.
And ail the iroveables attached to the said
plantation, including work cattle, horses, uten
sils, &e.
Separate property of the succession of Jo
seph Matern:
Fifteen Slaves:
Jim, aged about 30 years;
Drauzin, agtd about 26 years;
Bazile, aged about 17 years;
Ovide, aged about 14 years;
Alexandre, aged about 13 years; *
Ursine, aged about 12 years;
Rosalie, aged about 46 years, and her two
chi ldren, Isaac, aged 8 years, and Victorine, 5
years;
Marie, aged about 30 years, and lier four
children, Alfred, 8 years; Baptiste, 5 years;
Theodore, 3 years: and another child one year
old:
Rosette, aged about 25 years;
And all the moveables of the separate estate
of the said Joseph Materne, as inventoried.
Terms.
On the Plantation, $7000 in ca^li on the day
of sale,and the balarièe payable in three equal
instalments of one-third in all March of e.teh
of the years, 1850, 1851 and 1852. The slaves
of the partnership payable one-half of the
price cash, and the balance in three eqnal annu
al instalmentsinall March 1850 ; 1851 and 1852.
The slaves of the succession of Joseph'M.i
terne payable, Rosalie and her two children,
Isaac and Victorine, $200 cash: Marie and her
four chileren, $200 cash: and Drauzin, Jim, Ba
zile, Ovide, Alexandre, Ursin and Rosette, each
$100 cash; and the balance payable in three
equal instalments as above.
The moveables payable, all sums not ex
ceeding $10 cash, all sums above in March,
1850.
On the land and slaves sold, notes endorsed
to the satisfaction of the administrators, to be
given by the purchasers, to be secured by spe
cial mortgage in acts of sale, and those to be
passed before the Recorder of this parish.—
The notes given for the partnership property
will be two for each instalment of the price,
and each for one-half of such instalment.—
Notes for the price of the personal property to
be given also, endorsed as aforesaid. All notes
payable at the office of said Recorder, and to
bear after maturity 8 per cent interest till paid.
J. L PETIT, Sheriff.
Iberville, Dec. 18, 1849.-decl9
In the succession ot i 6 th District Co
Rich. H. Hinds, dee'd,No > Parish of Iben.
120, petition for ad'm. J State of Louisiai
Surcession de John i Cour de 6me District,
Spright, dec., No. 114,/ Paroisse d'' Iberrille,
petition pour l'adm'n. ) Riat de la Louisiane.
ATTENDU que Alexander G. Stringer a
présente une petition à la cour sus-dite,
à l'effet d'obtenir l'administration de la suc
cession de feu John Stringer, d cède, avis est
par le posent donné à tous ceux que cela
peut concerner, d'avoir à déduire sous dix
jours les raisons pour lesquelles il ne serait
pas fait droit à la dite pétition.
Par ordre de la cour ce Jan. 7, 1850.
jan9 PA UL DEBIJEUX, GreHier.
In the succession of } 6th District Court,
ville,
of Louisiana.
"ÏT ^HERFAS, Alexander G. Stringer, having
m petitioned this court for letters of ad
ministration on the estate of Rich'd.H. Hinds,
deceased, notice is hereby given to all,whom
it may concern to show cause within ten days
•»!iy the prayer of the said petitioner should
not be «ranted.
By order of court. Jan. 7. 1850.
jan9 PAUL DEULIEUX, Clerk.
Succession of John } 6th District Court,
Sj/right, deed, No. 114, > Parish of Iberville,
petition for Adrn'n. ) Slate of Louisiana.
WHEREAS, Alexander G. Stringer has pe
titioned the aforesaid court to be ap
pointed administratrix of the succession of the
late John Spright, deceased, notice is hereby
given to all whom it may concern to show
cause within ten days, why the prayer of the
said petitioner should not be granted.
By order of the Court, Jan. 7,1850.
jan9 PAUL DEBLIEUX, Clerk.
CITY ADVERTISEMENTS.
§ilk Goods Establishment.
C. TALE, JR. & CO.,
Mo. 27 Magazine st.,
WHOLESALE v DEALERS IN SILK,
FANCY AND STRAW GOODS
Millinery Articles, Bonnets, Laces, Gloves,
Shawls, Hosiery and Linens.
N(j. 27 Magazine st.,
New Oeleaks
If. R.
Louisiana
No. 11»
Common street.
BEACH'S
Carriage
No. 110
Gkavier st.
Repository,
(Rear cf the St. Charles Hotel, New Orleans.)
Constantly on hand, Carriages of approved
modern style, and best workmanship, from emi
nent manufacturers in Philadelphia, Newark
and New York, all of which are offered for sale
on accommodating terms. oc24 6m
Mew Goods—Mew Goods.
Watches, Clocks, Jewelry and Fancy Goods•
jX E. A. TYLER,
l 39 Camp street,
vi* Is now daily receiving additions to
Iiis well selected stock, consisting
of FINE WATCHES of the best make, in Gold
and silver cases; rich MANTEL CLOCKS and'
VASES: Gold. Guard. Fob, snd Vest Chains;
Seals. Keys and Chain Oranments; Gold Pencils
and Pens; Thimbles, Buckles, new patterns of
Bracelets. Pins, Ear Rin°s and Neckïace»; a beau
tiful assortment of Diamond Kings. Pins, Ear Kings
and Studs; Silvei and silver pin ted Ware; Silver
Card Cases, Snoff Boxes, &c.; Gold, silver, shell
and steel Spectacles, with glasses to suit all eyes;
Paper Machie; Fancy Goods, Fine Peifnuiery—to
gether with a great variety of other articles too nu
merous lo mention. Strangers visiting the city
are invited to call and examine his goods, any of
which will be sold at very low prices. oolO ly
Mew York Saddlery Warehouse,
No. 15 Canal, near Camr street,
Andrew G. Bull & Co., Ma
Cr^a nnfacturersand Dealers in Saddles. Hridlfs.
r: — T „„ v ,., .
<^ry
\y ar ^ Coach Trifn«mi»î*. and Purni.
tute nf evrv description. A!«n. Harnes«, Bridie
'and Band l^aibi-r. Ii avilis a (argn and compietf
as^or'uient. «e lï > >mt d> f.m i; nt <- - .r . <o
r.ne a lone list of rrieleS, luit iuvi è u urrhs-a- •
an as; -ai r» that they will, m so ii.ii ( >2,
procure what they want, and at prie - unus'iahy
low, at the sign of the Black Horse's Head, \'o 15 j
Canal street. New Orleans, oc24 3m I
PUBLISHED EVERY WF.DNESD.AY,
By William P. Bradbiiru.
Office, second house above the Bunk, to the right
from the river.
terms OE the sentinel.
Subscription :—Five Dollar* per milium, iiivariuhly in ad
vance. No »subscription taken for a Ichs period than one
year..
A dvertising :—-One Dollar per square, (10 Ii nesorle**) w il
hechargred for the first, and Fifty Cents fornyrry inser
tion thereafter. All advertisement» not specified osto
number of insertions, willbe published until forbid, and
charged accordingly, fn both language*,charged double
(LTAnnounccments for office #10, to be paid invariably in
advance.
PLAQUEMINE:
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 1850.
President's Message.'
[concluded.]
A contract having been concluded with the
States of Nicaragua, by a company composed of
American citizens, for the purpose of comstruet
ing a ship canal through the Territory of tlie
State, to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans,
I have directed the negotiation of a treaty with
Nicaragua, pledging both governments to pro
tect those who shall engage in and perfect the
work. All other nations are invited by the
State of Nicaragua to enter into the same treaty
stipulation with her,and the benefit to be deriv
ed Tiy each, from such an arrangement, will be
the protection of this great inter-oceanic com
munication against any power which might seek
to obstruct it or monopolize its advantages.—
All States entering into such a treaty will en
joy the right of passage through the canal on
payment of the same tolls.
The work if constructed under these guaran
te es will become a bond ot" peace instead of a I
subject of contortion and strito between the na- '
tions of the earth. Should the maritime States of ;
; Europe agree to this arrangement (and we have 1
; ho reason lo suppose that a proposition so fair
i ai,d honorable will be opposed by any,) the j
! eneririesof their people and ours will co-operate 1
I in prtimoi ing the success of the enterprise. 1
j do not recommend any appropriation from the '
I n; t'si al treasury fortius purpose, nor do I'
I belit-ve that such an appropriation is necessary, j
j Private enterprise, if properly protected, will j
complete the work, should it prove to be feasi.
! bio. The parties who have procured the chnr
! ter from Nicaragua for its construction desire
i no assistance from this government beyond its
protec t ion, and t hey profess, that, having ex
amined the proposed line of communication,
t
they will be ready to commence the undertaking ;
whenever ^iat^protection shall be^ extended to
ihe natives ana incucingtnem to aaopt a
system of government and laws suited to their
wants, capacity and merits, and the use made
them. Should there appear to be reason, on
examing the whole evidence, to entertain a se
rious doubt of the practicability of constructing
such a canal, that doubt could be speedily solv
ed bv an actual exploration of the route.
Should such a work be constructed under the
common protection of all nations, for equal
benefits to all, it would be neither just nor ex
pedient that any great or maritime State should
command the communication. The territory
through which the canal may be opened ought to
be freed from the claims of any foreign power.
No such power should in any way occupy a
position that would enable it hereafter to exer
cise so controling an influence over the com
merce of the world, or to obstruct a highway
which ought to be dedicated to the common
uses of mankind.
The route aeross the Isthmus at Tehuantepec
and Panama are also worthy of our serious
consideration. They did not fail to engage the
attention of my predecessor. The negotiator
of the treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo was in
structed to offer aveiy large sum of money for
the right of transit across the Ithmus of »Te
huantepec. The Mexican Government did not
accede to the proposition for the purchase of the
rihgt of way, probably because it had already
contracted jvith private individuals for the con
struction of a passage from the Guasacualco ri
ver to Tehuantepec. I shall not name any pro
position to purchase for money, a right which
ought to be equally secured to all nations, in
payment of a reasonable toll to the owners of
the improvement, who would doubtless be well
cot)tented with that compensation, and the
guarantee of the maritime States of the world
in separate treaties, negotiated with Mexico,
binding her and them to protect those who
should construct the work. Such guarantee
would do more to secure the completion of the
communication through the Territory of Mexico
than any other reasonable considerations that
could be offered, and as Mexico herself would be
the greatest gainer by the opening of the com
munication between the Gulf and the Pacific
ocean, it is presumed that she would not hesitate
to yield btr aid in the manner proposed, to ac
complish an improvement so important to her
own best interests.
We have reason to hope that the proposed
railroad across the Isthmus of Panama will be
successfully constructed under the protection
of the late treaty with Nfcw Grenada, ratified
and exchanged by my predecessor on the 10th
day of June 1848, which guarantees the perfect
neutrality of the Isthmus, and the rights of so
vereignty and property of New Grenada over
the territory, with a view that the free transit
from oeean to ocean may not be interrupted or
embarrassed during the existence of the treaty.
It is our policy to encourage every practicable
route across the Isthmus, which connects North
and South America either by a railroad or canal,
which the energy and enterprise of our citizens
may induce them to complete; and I consider
it obligatory upon me to adopt that policy es
pecially in consequence of the absolute neces
sity of f icilitatine intercourse with our posses
sions oh the Pacific. Tile position of the Sand
wich i lands with reference to the Territory of
• he TTüiti'd States on the Pacific—the success of
our persevering and benevolent citizens who
have repaired to that remore quarter in christian
the natives arid inducingthem to adopt a
by our numerous whale ships of the harbors of
Islands, to obtain refreshments, and repairs—
all combine to render their destiny peculiarly
interesting to us. It is our duty to encourage
the authorities of these Islands in their efforts
to improve and elevate the moral and political
condition of the inhabitants, and wc should
make reasonable allowance for the difficulties
inseparable from this task. We desire that
the Islands may maintain their independence,
that other nations should concur with us in this
sentiment. We could in no event be indiffer
ent to their passing under the dominion of any
other power. The principal commercial States
hnv«. în ti.ia a common interest,and it is to be
have in this
hoped that no one of them will attempt to in
terpose obstacles to the entire independence of
the Islands.
The receipts'into the treasury for the fiscal
year ending on the 30th of June last, were, in
cash, $48.830,097 50, and in treasury notes
funded $10, 833,000, making an agregate of
$59, 665,097 50; and the expenditures for the
same time were, in cash, J$ 16, 798,666 82, and
in treasury notes funded, $10 333,000 making
an aggregate of $57,667 82.
The accounts and estimates which will be
submitted to Congress in the report of the Sec
retary of the Treasury, show that there will
probably be a deficit, occasioned by the expen
t ses of the Mexican war and treaty, on the 1st
day July next, of $5,828r 191, 66, and on the
1st day of July, 1851, of $10,527,092 73, mak
ing in the whole a probable deficit to be provi
ded for of $16,375,214,39. The extraordinary
expenses of the war with Mexico, and the pur
chase of California and New Mexico exceed in
amount this deficit, together with loans hereto
fore made /or those objects. 1 therefore rcccom
rnend that authority be given to borrow what
ever sum may be necessary to cover that deficit.
I recommend tho observance of strict economy
in the appropriation and expenditure of the pub
lic moneys.
I recommend a revision of the existing tariff",
and its adjustment on a basis which may aug
ment the revenue. I do not doubt the right of
Congress to encourage domestic industry, which
is the great cause of national as well as indi
vidual wealth and prosperity. I look to the wis
pom and patriotism of Congress for the adop
tion of a system which may place home labor,
at least on a sure and permanent footing, and
by due encouragement of manufactures, give a
new and increased stimulus to agriculture, and
promote th« development of our vast resour
ces and the extension of our commerce. Be
lieving that to be the attainment of those ends,
(as well as the necessary augmentation of the
revenue and the prevention of frauds) a system
of specific duties is best adapted. I strongly
recommended to Congress the adoption of that
system, fixing the duties at rates high enough
to afford substantial and sufficient encourage
ment to our own industry, and at the same time
so adjusted as to iusure stability.
The question of the continuence of the Sub
Treasury system is respectfully submitted to
the wisdom of Congress. If continued, impor
tant modifications of it appear to be indispen
sible. t
For futher details and views of the above
and other matters connected with commerce, the
finances and revenue, I refer to the report of the
Secretary of the Treasury.
No direct aid has been given by the General
Government to the improvement of agriculture,
except by the expenditure of small sums for
the collection and publication of agricultural
statistics, and for some chemical analysis, which
have been thus far paid for out of the patent
fund. This aid is, in my opinion, wholly ina
dequate to give to this leading branch of Ameri
can industry the encouragement which it me
rits. I respectfully recommend the establish
ment of an Agricultural bureau, to be connect
ed with the Department of the Interior. To
elevate the social conditiou of the agriculturist,
to increase his prosperity, and extend his means
of usefulness to his country, by multiplying his
sources of information, Bhould be the study of
every statesman, and a primary object with every
legislature.
No civil government having been provided by
Congress for California, the people of that ter
ritory, impelled by the necessities of their po
litical condition, recently met in convention for
the purpose of forming a Constitution and
State Government, which tire latest advices
give reason to suppose has been accomplished:
and it is believed they will shortly apply for the
admission of California into the Union as a
Sovereign State. Should such be the case,
and should their constitution be conformable to
the requisition of the constitution of the Uni
ted States, I recommend their application to
the favorable consideration of Congress.
The people of New Mexico will, also, it is
believed, at no very distant period, present
themselves for admission into the Union.—
Preparatory to the admission of California and
New Mexico, the people of each will have in
stituted for themselves a republican form of go
vernment, laying its formation in such princi
ples and organizing its powers in such form as
to them shall seem most likely to effect their
safety and happiness.
By awaiting their action all causes of unea
siness may be avoided, and confidence and kind
feeling established. With a view of maintain
ing the harmony and tranquility so dear to all,
we should abstain from the introduction of
those exciting topics of a sectional character
which have hitherto produced painful apprehen
sions in the public mind, and I repeat the so
lemn warning of the first and most illustrious
of my predecessors against furnishing "any
grounds for characterising parties by geogra
phical discriminations."
A collector has been appointed at San Fran
cisco under the act of Congress extending the
revenue laws over California, and measures
have been taken to organize the custom-houses
at that and the other parts mentioned in that
act, at the earliest period practicable. The
Collector proceeded overland, and advices have
not yet been received of his arrival at San
Francisco. Meanwhile, it is understood that
the customs have continued to be collected by
officers acting under the military authority, as
they were during the administration of my pre
decessor. It will, I think, be expedient to con
firm the Collections thus made, and direct the
avails, (after such allowances as Congress may
think fit to authorize) to be expended within
i the territory, or be paid into the treasury for the
purpose of meeting appropriations for the un
provements of its rivers and harbors,
A party engaged on the coast survey was
1 dispatched to Oregon in January last. Accord
j ing to the latest advices, they had no. left Cal
I ifornia, and directions have been given them,
I that as soon as thev shall have fixed on the
site of the two Liglit houses and the buoys
| authorized to be constructed and placed in < )r
! egon, to proceed without delay to make recon
) noisances of the most important points of the
I coast of California, and especially to examine
and determine on a sight for Light houses on
that coast, the speedy erection of which is ur
gently demanded by our rapidly increasing
commerce.
I have transferred the Indian agencies from
tmper Missouri and Council Bluffs to Santo
Fe and Salt Lake, and have caused to be ap
pointed sub-agents in the valleys of the Gila,
the Sacremento, and San Joaquim rivers. Still
further legal provisions will be necessary for
the effective and successful extension of our
system of Indian intercourse over the new
Territories. „
I recommend the establishment of a branch
Mint in California, as it will, in my opinion, af
ford important facilities to those engaged in
mining, as well as to the Government in the
disposition of the mineral lands.
I also recommend that commissioners be or
ganized by Congress to examine and decide
upon the validity of the present subsisting land
titles in California and New Mexico, and that
provision be made for the establishment of of
fices of Surveyor General in New Mexico, Cal
ifornia, and Oregon, and for the surveying and
bringing into market the public lands in these
territories. These lands, remote in position
and difficult of access, ought to be disposed of
! on terms liberal to all, but especially favorable
to the early emigrants.
In order thst the situation and character of
the principal mineral deposits in California may
be ascertained, I recommend that a geological
and mineralogieal exploration be connected
with the linear surveys, and that the mineral
lands b« divided into small lots suitable for mi
ning, and be disposed of by sale or lease so as
to give our citizens an opportunity of procur
ing a permament right ot' property in the soil.
This would seem to be as important to the suc
cess of mining as of agricultural pursuits.
The great mineral weal! h of California, and
the advantages which its ports and harbors, and
those of Oregon, afford to commerce, especially
with the Islands of the Pacific and Indian
oceans, and the populons regions of Eastern
Asia, make it certain that there will arise in a
few years large and prosperous communities on
our Western coasts. It therefore becomes im
portant that a line of communication, the best
and most expedient which the nature of the
country would admit, should be opened within
Jhe territory of the United States from the na
vigable waters of the Atlantic or the Gulf of
Mexico to the Pacific. Opinion, as elicited
and expressed by two large and respectable
conventions lately assembled at St. Louis and
Memphis, points to a railroad, which' if practi
able, will best meet the wishes and wants of
the country.
But while this, if in successful operation,
vould be a work of great national importance
and of a value to the country, which it would
be difficult to estimate, it ought also to be re
garded as an undertaking of vast magnitude
and expense, and one which must, if indeed be
practible, encounter many difficulties in its con
struction and use. Therefore, to avoid failure
and disappointment, to enable Congress to
judge whether the condition of the country
through which it might pass, the work be feasi
ble, and if it be found so, whether it should be
undertaken as a national improvement or left
to individual enterprise, and in last alternative,
what aid, if any, ought to be extended to it by
the government, I recommend, as a preliminary
measure a careful reconnoisance of the several
proposed routes by a scientific corps, and a re
port as to the practicability of making such a
road with an estmate of the cost of its con
struction and support.
Fer further views on these and of matters
connected with the duties of the Home Depart
ment, I refer you to the report of the Secretary
of the Interior.
I recommend early appropriations for contin
uing the river and harbor improvements whieh
have already begun, and also for the construc
tion of those for which estimates have been
mede, as well as for examinations and estimates
preparatory to the commencement of such oth
ers as the wants of the country, and especially
the advance of our population over new dis
tricts, and the extension of commerce may ren
der necessary. An estimate of the amount
which can be advantageously expended within
the next fiscal year, under the direction of the
bureau of topographical engineers, accompa
nies the report of the Secretary of War, to
whieh I respectfully invite the attention of
Congress.
The acssion of territory made by the late
treaty with Mexico, has greatly extended our
exposed frontier and made its defence more
difficult That treaty has also brought us un
der obligations to Mexico, to comply with
which a military force is requisite. But our
military establishment is not materially chang
ed as to its efficiency from the condition in
which it stood before the commencement of
the Mexican war. Some addition to it will
therefore be necessary, and I recommend to the
favorable consideration of Congress an increase
of the several corps of the army at our distant
western posts, as proposed in the accompany
ing report of the Secretary of War.
Great embarrassment has resulted from the
effect upon rank in the army, "heretofore given
to brevet and staff commissions. The views of
the Secretary of War on this subject are deem
ed important, and, if carried into effect, will, it
is believed, promote the harmony of the service.
The plan proposed for relieving disabled of
ficers, and providing an asylum tor such of the
rank and fife as from age, wounds apd other
infinities occasioned by service, have become
unfit to perform theiif respective duties, is re
commended as a means of increasing the effi
ciency of the army, and an act of justice due
from a grateful country Jo the faithful soldier.