foreign anti eolonfal.

legislative session of 1848 was opened by the King in person, on Tuesday, with all the accustomed pomp and ceremonial. The Chamber of Deputies was thronged. The greater portion of the seats ap- propriated to the public were filled before eleven ; the front seats in the galleries and the pourtour of the Chamber below, being, as usual, occupied by ladies. They were generally in winter attire; snow having fallen at intervals during the day, and the weather being cold, but seasonable. By twelve o'clock a considerable number of Peers and Deputies had arrived, and in about half an hour afterwards nearly all the places were occupied. Amongst the earliest corners were MM. Sauzet, Lanyier, Leon Faucher,

Cremieux, Drouin, Deputies; and MM. de Maynard, Vigier, and Moline de St. Yon' Peers of France. M. Thiers, who entered rather late, was warmly

greeted by his friends, and appeared in high spirits. A little before one, the Diplomatic Corps, in grand uniform, toolepossession of the tribunal reserved to them, close to that of the Royal ladies: from the variety of stars and orders they wore, they presented a brilliant appearance. Shortly after- wards the Ministers entered the Chamber in full official costume, and took their places below the platform. Nearly at the same time Marshal Bu- geand appeared, and took his seat near the Ministers. The door of the

Queen's tribunal was thrown open, and her Majesty entered, followed by Madame Adelaide' the Dutcheas of Orleans the other Princesses, and the

Count de Paris. Loud cries of" Vive la Rehm!" greeted their appearance; and whilst they were taking their places, cries of" Vive la Duchene d'Or- leans! " were sent forth from all sides.

About one o'clock the cannon of the Invalides gave notice that the King had left the Tuileries. On the right of his Majesty's carriage was sta- tioned General Jaqueminot, and on the left General Tiburce Sebastiani. A numerous staff accompanied the King, as well as a squadron of dragoons and lancers. The route from the Palace to the Chambers was lined on both sides by National Guards and regular troops. In a few minutes a flourish of trumpets and drums outside the Chamber announced that his Majesty had arrived: the whole assembly rose simultaneously to receive him, and the moment he reached the platform a loud cry of Vive le Roi ! " pro- ceeded from all parts of the Chamber. The King paused to acknowledge the warmth of his reception; and at three several times was obliged to re- new his expression of satisfaction, as the cheers were over and over again repeated. At length silence wasrestored, and he took his seat; being sup- ported on his right by the Duke de Nemours, in the uniform of a general officer, and on the left by the Prince de Joinville and the Duke de Mont- pensier. His Majesty wore the uniform of a Colonel of the National Guard. The King having graciously signified to the Chambers to be seated, read the speech, in his usual distinct manner, but with a voice somewhat affected by his late cold.

Messieurs lee Pairs, Messieurs lea Deputes—lam happy, on finding myself again among you, not to have any more to deplore the ills which the high price of pro- visions has made to press on our country. France has endured them with a courage that I could not behold without profound emotion. Never in such circum- stances have public order and the freedom of transactions been so generally main- tained. The inexhaustible zeal of private charity has seconded our common efforts. Our commerce, thanks to its prudent activity, has been but feebly affected by the crisis that has been experienced in other states. We are reaching the conclusion of those trials. Heaven has blessed the labours of the people, and abundant crops are everywhere reviving comfort and security. I congratulate myself on it with you. I reckon on your cooperation in order to brio g to a conclusion the great public works which, by extending to the entire kingdom rapidity and facility of communication, must open fresh sources of prosperity. At the same time that sufficient resources shall continue to be applied to that fruitful enterprise, we will all watch with scrupulous economy over the judicious employment of the public reveal*, and Lam confident that the receipts will cover the expenses in the or-

dMirs;z laidget of the elate, which shall be shortly teem yea. ' A special bill will be proposed to you for redusing tlie pnce of salt, and lighteniug the tax on lette\rs, to a degree compatible with the good state of our finances.

"Bills on public instruction, prison discipline, and our customs- tariffs, are already submitted to your deliberations. Other bills shall be presented to you on

various important subjects, particularly on commercial property, mortgages, the ,mont de prete, and the application of savings-banks to fresh improvements in the condition of the working classes. It is my constant wish that my Government should labour, with your cooperation, in developing at the same time the morality and the welfare of the people. "My relations with all the Foreign Powers give me the confidence that the peace of the world is secured. I hope that the progress of general civilization will be everywhere accomplished by a good understanding between governments and people, without impairing internal order and the good relations between states. "Civil war has disturbed the happiness of Switzerland. My Government had come to an understanding with the Governments of England, Austria, Prussia, and Russia, in order to offer that neighbouring and friendly people an amicable mediation. Switzerland will, I hope, acknowledge that respect for the rights of all, and the maintenance of the basis of the Helvetic Confederation, can alone insure to her those durable conditions of happiness and security that Europe wished to guarantee to her by treaties. "My Government, in accordance with that of the Queen of Great Britain has just adopted measures which must at length succeed in restoring our commercial relations on the banks of La Plata.

"The illustrious chief who has long and gloriously commanded in Algeria has desired to rest from his labours. I have intrusted to my beloved eon the Duke

d'Aumale the great and arduous task of governing that French land. I flatter myself that, under the direction of my Government, and thanks to the laborious courage of the generous army that surrounds him, his vigilance and devotedness will secure the tranquillity, the good administration, and prosperity of our es- tablishment.

"Gentlemen, the more I advance in life, the more I dedicate with devotedness to the service of France, to the care of her interests, dignity, and happiness all the activity and strength which God has given and still preserves to Ins. Amidst the agitation that hostile or blind passions foment, a conviction animates and supports me: it is that we possess in the constitutional monarchy—in the union of the great powers of the states sure means of surmounting all those obstaclea, and of satisfying all the interests, moral and material, of our dear country. Let as firmly maintain, according to the Charter, social order and all its conditions. Let us guarantee, according to the Charter, the public liberties and all their developments. We shall transmit intact to the generations that will come after us the trust confided to us; and they will bless us for having founded and defended the edifice under shelter of which they will live happy and free." The King's voice appeared to suffer from the reading of the speech, par- ticularly towards the close. The Chambers seemed unwilling to interrupt him but the passage in which the various bills that are to be brought

forward during the session are alluded to was received with loud marks of approbation. The paragraph relative to Switzerland excited great curi-

osity: on his beginning it, a " hush! " proceeded from several benches, and the silence became deeper than before; no mark of either approval or the contrary feeling was, however, manifested at its termination. The passage which speaks of the appointment of the Duke d'Aumale to the government of Algeria was also followed by marks of approbation; and the last para- graph, which his Majesty delivered more emphatically than the rest of the speech, drew forth loud applause. The King row and saluted the Cham- bers several times; the Peers and Deputies repeatedly crying " Vive le Roil" Such Deputies as had been elected since the preceding session were then sworn in by M. Duchatel; after which, M. thibert announced, in the custom- ary form, that the session of 1848 was opened. The King then rose, and, again warmly greeted with cries of " Vive le Roil" retired, in company with the Princes; the Queen and the rest of the Royal party followed, saluted with the same marks of respect; and the Royal cortege re- turned to the Tuileries in the order of its coming. Loud cheers ran along the line of troops and National Guards as the King passed.

The National gives a melancholy account of the King's aspect—

"HIS Majesty appeared to us to be in an ill state of health. His attitude, his gesture, his voice, gave proofs of the effort which it was necessary for him to make in order to pronounce the speech composed by hi. Guizot. The King has become reduced in flesh. His pale face denoted sufferings, vanquished and subdued, but still active. The sound of his voice is profoundly changed; and the veil which covered that accent, ordinarily hollow and firm, cast over his entire speech some- thing so gloomy and dull that it congealed even the very Centres and drove back their enthusiasm to the lowest recesses of their noble breasts. It was the first time that a royal speech was delivered from the commencement to the end with- out having been interrupted by applauses. We could catch but two marks of ad- hesion and of continued approbation—namely, when Louis Philippe spoke of his son the Duke d'Auniale, and of his own old age."

This atcount is somewhat confirmed by the correspondent of the Morn- ing Chronicle.

"I can now state from personal observation, that in his Majesty's appearance there is, within the last few months, a decided change for the worse. He is not by any means the hale and robust man he was even when I saw him last, which was on the 29th of July. He is thinner and considerably weaker than he was at that time. His step in walking is by no means firm, and in ascending the steps leading to the throne he tottered considerably. I should hardly say, however, that his Majesty's appearance gave anything like reasonable ground for the alarm of immediate danger which was so general last week. If we except his having a bad cold, he could hardly be classed as an invalid; and the general impression he left upon me was that the grippe had told, and that age was beginning to tell upon hun."

The Deputies were engaged on Wednesday in organizing their standing Committees, verifying the powers of the members elected during the recess, and appointing the President, Vice-Presidents, and Secretaries, for the session. The ballot ftir the Presidency presented the following result—M. Sauzet, 227; M. Oclillon Barret, 105; Dupin, 13; Dufaure, 9. M. Sauzet was declared President.

M. de Coiloredo and M. Rudowitz, the Envoys Extraordinary of the Ca- binets of Vienna and Berlin at the conference which was to have been held at Neufchatel on the affairs of Switzerland, have arrived in Paris; and their arrival has caused much commotion, especially turned to account by the • Opposition journals. The occurrence is thus explained. On the 8th December, a double note was sent by M. Guizot to the Cabinets of Vienna and Berlin, demanding an im,mediate cooperation in an energetic intervention on the affairs of Switzerland. The result of an extraordinary Council, held on the following day at St. Cloud, was a change in the opi- nion as.to the necessity of an energetic demonstration, and couriers were despatched to communicate the altered aspect of affairs: but the envoys had set out for Paris on the receipt of the first note, and were passed by the couriers on the road.

The Reform banquets continue. One of them was held at Vienne on the 21st; when 580 persons sat down to table: the King's health was not -proposed.; but this toast, "To the sincerity of our Representative insti- • tutions-40 Goternmental probity," was received with acclamations. On the same day, another Reform banquet took place at Grenoble, which was also most numerously attended. The chief demonstration however, was at Rouen, on the 26th: 1,800 persons were present, including 20 Deputies, 1,400 electors, and 400 citizens eligible to seats in the Chamber. Letters from Paris mention that the first effect of the recent reduction in the rate of discount by the Bank of France, to 4 per cent, had been to create considerable activity in businew, notwithstanding the Christmas holydays: some flatness, however, had speedily ensued, chiefly in conse- quence of political uncertainties. The Presse furnishes some statistics of French commerce for the past year. The corn imported amounts to 8,829,637 metrical quintals; being twice and a half as much as it was during 1846, and eight times greater than in 1845. In consequence, however, of the temporary suspension of the duties, the amount levied is Only 3,000,000 francs, against 9,000,000 last year. The import of cotton has diminished, as compared with 1846, by 172,000 quintals. The imports of coal, cast-iron, and coffee, progres- sively increase. The commercial marine has seriously declined. The number of French ships entered, inwards during 1847 is 272 less than it was in 1846; while the number of foreign ships has increased by 1,228. The outward-bound French ships have increased by 92; foreign ships, by 839.

ALounia.—Recent accounts give important particulars respecting Abd- el-Kader. The statement in the Akhbar is, that, being with his Deim sur- rounded and deprived of resources, he took the desperate resolution of attacking the nearest camp of the enemy, commanded by one of the Empe- ror's sons. Accordingly, on the night of the 11th, he carried his project into execution. To cause a panic among the troops of Morocco, he sent forward camels covered with pitch and tar, to be set on fire when near the camp. By some means, however, the enemy got notice of the plan, and quietly withdrew from the camp, to occupy the surrounding heights. Abd- el-Kader, finding the camp empty, and imagining that the Emperor's troops had fled, caused the camp to be pillaged, and quietly remained till next day, intending to resume his march. He soon, however, discovered the trap in which he had been caught; and lost no time in cutting his way through the enemy's lines; which he effected with the loss of 250 of his best horsemen. Followed by the remnant of his force, he with great diffi- culty reached the banks of the Montoya; where, once more, his position was considered desperate.

Spene.—There have been some animated proceedings in Congress. On the 16th December, the Opposition, headed by Seflor Segasti, brought for- ward a motion, aimed at the Queen-Mother, for an official list of the pay- ments made by the Treasury of Haviumah since 1844 to Government orders, and of the persons in whose favour such orders had been given. This attack was met on the other side by an assault upon the Duke of Victoria; whose conduct in suspending Queen Christina's pension was de- nounced as being of the blackest kind. The debate waxed very hot. It was admitted, however, by the speakers, that, by a decree of 1844, the Queen-Mother's pension had been reSstablished, and the arrears paid up. Ultimately, when both sides had exhausted their venom, the motion was lost, by a large majority; 29 voting for, and 141 against it. The subject of the charges brought against Setior Salamanca was dis- cussed at a meeting of the Deputies, on the 17th December, and it was agreed by a majority of 105 to 44, that the matter should be brought be- fore the Chamber, and an inquiry demanded.

In the sitting of the 21st, Seilor Lopez Grade called the attention of the Government to the miserable plight of the numerous officers who had re- turned to Spain under the amnesty. General Narvaez expressed his in- tention of restoring, as opportunity offered, not only all those who had been removed for political causes, but many who had been removed for ne- glect of duty. He deprecated any interference on the part of the House, as subversive of discipline.

PARTTIGAL.—There are accounts from Lisbon to the 23d December.

The elections had taken place throughout the country. The Cabralista card was unanimously adopted, so that not one Septembrista Deputy has been returned. The Septembrista party has protested against the election as illegal. The Ministry bad resigned; and a new Cabinet was nominated, having for President the Duke de Saldanha. His colleagues are, for the Interior, Bernardo Gorgao flentiquez; Finance, JoaquUn Jose Falcao; Marine, . Agostino Albano de Silveira Pinto; Justice, Joaquim Jose de Queiros. A decree regulating the currency had been promulgated. Under it, all duties and other payments to the Government were required to be paid in half metal, half paper, and the discount on the paper made good at the same time.

Lisbon had been shaken by several severe shocks of earthquake; but no serious injury had been suffered. Sir Charles Napier's squadron had gone for a ten days' cruise, leaving only the Howe in the Tagus.

IreLy.---On the 17tb December, the Pope held a Secret Consistory, at which twenty Spanish Archbishops and Bishops were nominated. This is the first time since the death of Ferdinand the Seventh that the Pontiff has performed the ceremony. His Holiness opened the consistory with a discourse on the state of the Church in Spain, Russia, and Switzerland. With regard to Spain and Russia, he expressed feelings of joy at the favour- able turn religious affairs had taken; but he spoke with deep regret at the defeat of the Catholic union in Switzerland. The sentiments expressed by theVope in This discourse appear to have created considerable uneasiness among the Liberal party in Rome; who imagine that his Holiness is no longer so ardent an admirer of reform as he was supposed to be a few months ago. A process against the leaders of the demonstration which took place in Rome some time ago in favour of the Swiss Diet was about to commence. One of the persons compromised in this affair lathe son of the celebrated Ciceroacchio.

The Diario di Roma (the official journal of the Pontifical Government) of the 16th announces that a convention has been concluded respecting Ferrara. _ The conditions are as follow. The Swiss Guard in the service of the Pope are to occupy the posts in the town; the Civic Guard the Castello, which is the residence of the Legate; and the Austrians the for- tress. The question of right, 1101APVer, says the DiaTio, -remain° opcn to both parties: the convention merely restores the status quo which previously existed, without reference to the right claimed by Austria under its in- terpretation of the treaty of Vienna.

On the 13th December, the Pope gave a private audience to Vice-Ad- miral Parker and General Adam, who had landed from the Bulldog at Civita Vecchia. They were to return on the following day.

A correspondent of the Daily News mentions that there had been serious apprehensions of a riot among the Trasteverini, in consequence of an attempt to introduce cotton and woollen spinning-frames. The people resent what they consider an interference with the rights of manual labour. A strong muster of the Civic Guard, and even a display of artillery, were necessary to keep order during the conveyance and erection of the machinery.

Letters from Milan, of the 19th December, recount a remarkable event. Signor Nazari, Deputy of the city of Bergamo, in the Central Congrega- tion of Lombardy, moved a resolution in the Congregation—founded en the universal discontent of the country—that a committee be appointed to lay before the Emperor of Austria a project of reform for the Lom- bardo-Venetian kingdom. This motion was opposed by the Governor of Milan, who is President of the Congregation, and who declared that the Viceroy himself was engaged in preparing a project of reform: however, it was passed unanimously, When this proceeding became known, the greatest excitement prevailed in Milan; and the inhabitants crowded to the residence of Signor Nazari to inscribe their names, as an expression of respect and approbation,

Advices from Genoa, of the 15th, state that the King of Sardinia has written to the Pope desiring him to recall the Jesuits from his states. Ile Petrie narrates a popular movement which took place at Naples on the 15th December, and gives a very unfavourable impression of the con- duct of the authorities. It appears that the demonstration was confined to the gathering of a crowd of persons in the streets, who shouted in favour of Pius the Ninth, the King, and Reform; but never once attempted to create any disturbance or riot. The authorities, however, without making the slightest attempt to disperse the people, or giving any intimation of what was about to take place, ordered the troops to fire; and the oonse- quence was that a great number of persons were killed and wounded, but the precise number is not stated by the Patria. The disturbance was fol- lowed by many arrests, particularly among the highest classes of society. Ten of the young nobility are in custody; and of these are mentioned the names of the Duke of Albanetto, son of the Duke of Proto, and Signor Camillo Caracciolo son of the Duke of Torella, who is held in high con- sideration by the best society of Naples.

SWITZERLAND.—At its sitting on the 24th December, the Swiss Diet, acting on the request of the Executive Council of Berne, resolved that the Bernese contingent should not undergo Federal inspection in 1848. This is intended as a mark of respect for the services rendered by Berne during

the recent campaign. After a debate, a delay of five years was allowed to Unterwalden for the payment of its portion of the expenses of the war. The Cabinets of Vienna and Berlin have addressed to the Germanic Diet a communication on the subject of the revision of the Federal Compact. A. sitting upon it was held on the 10th, under the presidency of Count Doenhoff, the Prussian Ambassador. There were eleven members of the Diet present, and six were represented by delegates. All were of accord in approving of the conduct of the Great Powers towards the Vorort; and it was unanimously decided, that if Switzerland should change her present constitution of Cantonal sovereignty by establishing a Unitary system, the contracting parties of the treaty of Vienna would no longer guarantee the neutrality of Switzerland.

Githstawv.—Commercial matters are at present occupying attention throughout Germany. The plan for a new currency law for all Germany has been published, in the form which was adopted in the Congress lately held on the subject at Leipzic; and copies have been forwarded to the States which were represented at the Congress. The plan is understood to find particular favour in Prussia. The representatives of the eight towns of Altona, Berlin, Dresden, Halle, Hamburg, Leipzic, Magdeburg, and Prague, appointed to sit in committee on the question of the navigation-duties of the Elbe, have strongly urged a revision of the present duties. Prussia is fa- vourably inclined to a modification.

Seven of the Poles, capitally convicted, who had appealed to the mercy of the King, have obtained the commutation of their penalty into imprison- ment for life. Mieroslawski alone refused to address a similar request to his Majesty; but his advocate had taken on himself to invoke the Royal clemency in his favour. The situation of the accused, who after being ac- quitted were claimed by Russia, excites general sympathy. The police ar- rested them immediately on their leaving the prison. In order to escape their wretched fate, they have entered an appeal against the sentence, and demanded that the Court should pronounce their complete liberation. The President (M. Koch) ordered them to be conveyed back to prison; where they- will wait the result of the decision of the tribunal on their appeal.— Augsburg Gazette. Privy Councillor Wedecke has been arresteh by order of the Prussian Government, on a charge of corruption; and an investigation has com- menced. He is accused of receiving a bribe of 40,000 dollars, the price of his wrongly estimating the value of an estate for purposes of taxation.

The influenza is prevalent at Berlin; • and the Minister Eichhorn is suf- fering from it to such a degree as to be obliged to abstain from his public duties.

In the sitting of the State of Darmstadt of the 21st December, a motion was made for the abolition of all laws preventing the Jews from taking a full share in the civil rights of the country. The motion was seconded, and referred to a committee.

WEST lwraus.—After being four days beyond the usual time, the West India steamer Trent has arrived at Southampton; bringing advices from

Jamaica to the 23d November. The delay arose:from some new arrange- ment in the route. The islands generally were healthy; the weather fine, but in some places too dry. At Barbados, however, plentiful showers had refreshed the island, and wonderfully improved the canes.

The youthful King of Mosquitia was on a visit to Jamaica; where, under the guidance of Mr. Walker, British Consul in the Mosquito country, he was examining British manners and customs.

UwerED STATES.—There has been more than one arrival from the LThited States this week: the Britannia arrived at Liverpool on Thursday the 80th: but in hrjeging, the Presideuta.anessege was antieip' skid by-the New IfOrk. packet-ship Ashburton, which arrived earlier on the 30th, after a run of twenty days.

The message is a very long document; filling eight or nine columns of our morning papers; and three-fourths of it are devoted to the subject of the Mexican war.

Mr. Polk begins, of course, with compliments to the Sovereign People; some crowing about the institutions of the Republic; and exaltation at the "wide-spread

and universal" prosperity of the Union daring the past year. "Our intercourse with all the Powers of the earth, except Mexico, continues to be of an amicable character. It has ever been our cherished policy to cultivate peace and goodwill with all nations, and this policy has been steadily pursued by me."

No-change has taken place in the relations with Mexico since the adjournment of the last Congress; but Mr. Polk elaborately sketches the subsequent history of the war.

"History," he declares, "presents no parallel of so many glorious victories achieved by any nation within so short a period." But "while every patriot's

bosom must exult," the "nation is called to mourn over so many brave officers and soldiers." He narrates the negotiations for a peace; the United States having offered to grant a peace, if Mexico would cede a portion of her territory as indem- nity for the expenses of the war. Mr. Polk argues at great length to show that this is fit and proper. "It is well known that the only indemnity which it is in

the power of Mexico to make in satisfaction of the just and long-deferred claims of our citizens against her, and the only means by which she can reimburse the United States for the expenses of the war, is a concession to the United States of a portion of her territory. Mexico has no money to pay, and no other means of making the required indemnity. If we refuse this, we can obtain nothing else. To reject indemnity by refusing to accept a cession of territory, would be to aban- don all our jest demands, and to wage the war, bearing all its expenses, without a purpose or definite object." That would only renew past irritations. Congress always contemplated a territorial indemnity.

Accordingly, the Commissioner of the United States was authorized to demand the cession of New Mexico and California, the Rio Grande as the Western bound- ary South of New Mexico, and right of way across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The Mexican Commissioners, however, proposed terms wholly inadmissible; ne- gotiating as if Mexico were the victorious party! They demanded a dismember- ment of Texas by the cession of the territory lying between the Nueces and the Rio Grande, [our readers will remember that the boundary had all along been disputed,] did not provide for paying the just claims of the American citizens, arrogated-a right to levy duties on goods in ports of which the United States were in military occupation, and offered to cede for a "pecuniary consideration" that part of Upper California which lies North of 37 degrees.

It is manifest to all who have observed the actual condition of their Govern- ment, that the Mexicans could not long retain possession of the provinces claimed by the United States: California, especially, would probably be seized by some European power, or would set up for itself. " Mexico is too feeble a power to go- vern these provinces, lying as they do at a distance of more than 1,000 miles from her capital; and, if attempted to be retained by her, they would constitute but for a short time, even nominally, a part of her dominions." The provinces of New Mexico and the Californias are contiguous to the territories of the United States; and if brought under the government of our laws, their resources—mine- ral, agricultural, manufacturing, and commercial—would soon be developed.' The ports of California " would in a short period become the marts of an exten- sive and profitable commerce with China and other countries of the East. These advantages, in which the whole commercial world would participate, /would at once be secured to the United States by the cession of this territory; while it is certain that as long as it remains a part of the Mexican dominions, they can be enjoyed neither by Mexico herself nor by any other nation. New Mexico is a frontier province, and has never been of any considerable value to Mexico." " There is another consideration which induced the belief that the Mexican Go- vernment might even desire to place this province under the protection of the Go.. vernment of the United States. Numerous bands of fierce and warlike sava..., wander over it and upon its borders. Mexico has been, and must continue tube, too feeble to restrain them."

The terms offered by the United States were rejected; and it now became a practical question, how the war should be prosecuted, and what should be the future pohcy P " I cannot doubt that we should secure and render available the conquests which we have already made; and that, with this view, we should hold and occupy, by our naval and military forces, all the ports, towns, cities, and pro- vinces now in our occupation, or which may hereafter fall into our possession;

that we should press forward our military operations, and levy such military con- tributions on the enemy as may, as far as practicable, defray the future expenses of the war." On the renewal of the war, New Mexico and the Californias were

conquered and held, subject to be disposed of by a treaty of peace; so that " these provinces are now in our undisputed possession." " I am satisfied they should

never be surrendered to Mexico. Should Congress concur with me in this opi-

nion, and that they should be retained by the United States as indemnity' I can perceive no good reason why the civil jurisdiction and laws of the United States

should not at once be extended over them. To wait for a treaty of peace, such as we are willing to make, by which our relations towards them would not be changed, cannot be good policy; whilst our own interest, and that of the people inhabiting them, require that a stable, responsible, and free government under our authority, should as soon as possible be established over them. Should Congress, therefore, determine to hold these provinces permanently, and that they shall hereafter be considered constituent parts of our country, the early es- tablishment of territorial governments over them will be important for the more perfect protection of persons and property; and I recommend that such terri- torial governments be established. It will promote peace and tranquillity among all the inhabitants, by allaying all apprehension that they may still entertain of be- ing again subjected to the jurisdiction of Mexico. I invite the early and favour- able 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 Mexican provinces are now governed by our military and naval commanders, under the general authority which is conferred upon a conqueror by the laws of war. They should continue to be held as a means of coercing Mexico to accede to just terms of peace. "To retire to a line and simply hold and defend it, would not terminate the war." "I am persuaded that the best means of vindicating the national honour and interest, and of bringing the war to an honourable close, will be to prosecute it with increased energy and power in the vital parts of the enemy's country. "In my annual message to Congress of December last, I declared that' the war has not been waged with a view to conquest; but, having been commenced by Mexico, it has been carried into the enemy's country, and will be vigorously pro- secuted there, with a view to obtain an honourable peace, and thereby secure ample indemnity for the expenses of the war, as well as to our much-injured citizens who hold large pecuniary demands against Mexico. Such, in my judg- ment, continues to be our true policy—indeed, the only policy which will probably secure a permanent peace. It has never been contemplated by me, as an object of the war, to make a permanent conquest of the Republic of Mexico, or to anni- hilate her separate existence as an independent nation. On the contrary, it has, ever been my desire that she should maintain her nationality, and, under a good government, adapted to her condition, be a free, independent, and prosperous republic." Oar armies' have advanced "from victory to victory," always with the olive branch in their hands."

43ae °bowie toe-peace has been the fact that IVIexice-has been so long held in subjection by one faction of military usurpers after another, who have deterred the peaceable and well-disposed inhabitants from making an honourable peace. "With a people distracted and divided by contending factions, and a Government subject to constant changes by suocessive revolutions, the continued successes of our army may fail to secure a satisfactory peace. In such event, it may become

proper for our commanding generals in the field, to give encouragement and as- surance of protection to the friends of peace in Mexico in the establishment and maintenance of a free Republican government of their own choice, able and willing to conclude a peace which would be just to them and secure to us the in- demnity we demand. This may become the only mode of obtaining such a Should such be the result,. the war which Mexico has forced upon us would thus

converted into an enduring blessing to herself." Mr. Polk represents, that endeavours were made to conciliate the mass of the population, and to convince them that war was made, not against them, but against the Government; and therefore a very lenient policy was pursued, of pro- tecting property, paying for provisions, &c. This mild treatment failed to pro- duce the desired effect upon the Mexican population"; who resorted to a guerilla warfare, with savage excesses. "The Mexicans having thus shown themselves to be wholly incapable of appreciating our forbearance and liberality, it was deemed proper to change the manner of conducting the war, by making them feel its pressure, according to the usages observed under similar circumstances by all civilized nations." "Measures have recently been adopted by which the internal as well as exter- nal revenues of Mexico, in all places in our military occupation, will be seized and appropriated to the use of our army and navy."

Several other foreign topics occupy some space in Mr. Polk's message; but they are small in importance. The suasive arguments of the following passage are curious; self-interest being called in to back the dictates of honesty- " I recommend to Congress, that an appropriation be made, to be paid to the Spanish Government, for the purpose of distribution among the claimants in the Amsted case. I entertain the conviction that this is due to Spain, under the treaty of the 20th of October 1795; and, moreover, that from the earnest man- ner in which the claim continues to be urged, so long as it shall remain unsettled it will be a source of irritation and discord between the two countries, which may prove highly prejudicial to the interests of the United States. Good policy, no less than a faithful compliance with our treaty obligations, requires that the in- considerable appropriation demanded should be made." The President reports the state of the public finances— The imports for the last fiscal year, ending on the lath of June 1847, were of the value of 146,545,638 dollars; reexported, 8,011,158 dollars. The value of the exports was 158,648,622 dollars; of which 150,637,464 dollars consisted of do- mestic productions, 8,011,158 dollars of foreign articles. The receipts into the treasury for the same period amounted to 26,346,790 dollars; of which there was derived from customs 23,747,864 dollars; from sales of public lauds, 2,498,336

dollars. The expenditures were 59,451,177 dollars; including 3,522,082 (loiters on account of principal and interest of the public debt. The receipts into the treasury for the fiscal year ending on the 30th of June 1848, including the balance on the 1st of July last, are estimated at 42,886,545 dollars; the expenditures at 58,615,660 dollars. On the tat of the present month, the amount of the public debt actually incurred, including treasury notes, was 45,659,659 dollars. The addition made to the public debt sineethe 4thof March 1845 is 27,870,859 dollars. To meet the expenditures for the remainder of the present and for the next fiscal year, ending on the 30th of June 1849, a new loan will be necessary—about 18,500,000 dollars. Should the war with Mexico be continued until the 30th of June 1849, it is estimated that a further loan of 20,500,000 dollars will be re- quired for the fiscal year ending on that day.

"The act of the 13th of July 1846, reducing the duties on imports, has been in force since the 1st of December last; and I am gratified to state, that all the beneficial effects which were anticipated from its operation have been fully realized. The public revenue derived from customs during the year ending on the 1st of December 1847, exceeds by more than 8,000,000 dollars the amount received in the preceding year under the operation of the act of 1842, which was superseded and repealed by it. Its effects are visible in the great and almost unexampled

ity which prevails in every branch of business.

Idle the repeal of the prohibitory and restrictive duties of the act of 1842, and the substitution in their plate of reasonable revenue rates levied on articles imported according to their actual value, i has increased the revenue and aug- mented our foreign trade, all the great interests of the country have been ad- vanced and promoted.

"The great and important interests of agriculture which had been not only too much neglected but actually taxed under the protective policy for the benefit of other interests, have been relieved of the burdens which that policy imposed on them; and our farmers and planters, under a more just and hberal commercial policy, are finding new and profitable markets abroad for their augmented products. " Our commerce is rapidly increasing, and is extending more widely the circle of international exchanges. Great as has been the increase of our imports during the past year, our exports of domestic products sold in foreign markets have been still ea-eater.

"Our navigating interest is eminently prosperous. The number of vessels built in the United States has been greater than during any preceding period of equal length. Large profits have been derived by those who have constructed as well as by those who have navigated them. Should the ratio of increase in the number of our merchant-vessels be progressive, and be as great for the future as during the past ',ear, the time is not distant when our tonnage and commercial marine will be larger than that of any other nation in the world.

"Whilst the interests of agriculture, of commerce, and of navigation, have been enlarged and invigorated, it is highly gratifying to observe that our manufactures are also in a prosperous condition. None of the ruinous effects upon this interest, which were apprehended by some as the result of the operation of the revenue system established by the act of 1846, have been experienced. On the contrary, the number of manufactories, and the amount of capital invested in them, is steadily and rapidly increasing; affording gratifying proofs that American enter- prise and skill employed in this branch of domestic industry, with no other ad- vantages than those fairly and incidentally accruing from a just system of revenue duties, are abundantly able to meet successfully all competition from abroad, and still derive fair and remunerating profits. "While capital invested in manufactures is yielding adequate and fair profits under the new system, the wages of labour, whether employed in manufactures, agriculture, commerce, or navigation, have teen augmented." The President recommends a duty on tea and coffee, estimated to produce 3,000,000 dollars; also a graduated reduction of the price for waste lands, esti- mated to produce 500,000 or 1,000,000 dollars. The loan would be proportionately reduced. After the close of the war, any surplus revenue that may accrue may be converted into a sinking fund. 'The constitutional Treasury Act, which came into operation on the 1st o ,January last, has worked well; so has the warehousing system.

Several other measures are recommended, including a territorial govern- ment for Oregon. The President concludes with an exhortation quoted from Washington, to cherish the national Union, and with the invocation of a Divine blessing on the labours of Congress.

A Whig candidate had been elected President of the House of Repre- sentatives. Three ballots were taken on the occasion. There were four candidates,—nannely, Mn Winthrop the Whig, and thiee Democratic gen- tlemen : in a House of 220, Mr. Winthrop successively received 108, 109, and 110 votes; but on the last ballot two members declined voting, which gale him the "absolute majority" required. The favourite Candidate of the Democratic party received successively. in the three ballots, 81, 82, and 64 votes. The Whigs seem to be more united than their opponents.

The general news is unimportant. Two failures are mentioned,—that of the Lewiston Bank, and that of an extensive firm in the iron manufac- turing trade. Trade was somewhat duller; the money-market was "tight" • exchange on London, 9 to 10,1 premium. The Ashburton brings 21,0001. as freight; the Britannia, 52,000L Resolutions have been presented in the Legislature of South Carolina against the "Wilmot proviso." The proviso excludes slavery from all territories hereafter annexed to the Union. The resolutions declare that should the proviso be adopted by Congress, South Carolina will consider herself at liberty to secede from the Union. The intelligence from Mexico represents no material change in the state çf affairs, either among the Mexicans or in the field.

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