Part 17

In answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 7th of February, 1842, in the following words--

Resolved, That the President of the United States inform this House under what authority the commission, consisting of George Poindexter and others, for the investigation of the concerns of the New York custom-house was raised; what were the purposes and objects of said commission; how many persons have in any way been connected with it, and the compensation received or to be received by each; and the aggregate amount of every description of said commission, and out of what fund the said expenditures have been or are to be paid--

I have to state that the authority for instituting the commission mentioned in said resolution is the authority vested in the President of the United States to "take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and to give to Congress from time to time information on the state of the Union, and to recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient."

The expediency, if not the necessity, of inquiries into the transactions of our custom-houses, especially in cases where abuses and malpractices are alleged, must be obvious to Congress, and that investigations of this kind were expected to be made appears from the provision in the twenty-first section of the act of 1799, "which enjoins collectors of the customs to submit their books, papers, and accounts to the inspection of such persons as shall be appointed for that purpose."

The purposes and objects of the commission will be explained by the commission itself, a copy of which, together with information on the other subjects mentioned in the resolution, will at the proper time be laid before Congress.

JOHN TYLER.

WASHINGTON, February 11, 1842.

To the Senate of the United States:

In compliance with the request of the governor of the Territory of Iowa, I have the honor to submit the accompanying memorials and joint resolutions of the council and house of representatives of that Territory to your consideration.

JOHN TYLER.

WASHINGTON, February 14, 1842.

To the House of Representatives of the United States:

In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 3d instant, I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, with copies of the papers requested by the resolution.

JOHN TYLER.

WASHINGTON, February 16, 1842.

To the House of Representatives:

I transmit herewith a communication addressed to me by the Secretary of War, in relation to certain contracts entered into by a board of medical officers appointed for that purpose for the purchase of sites on the western waters for the erection of marine hospitals; and concurring fully in his views of the subject, I recommend that either an appropriation of $44,721 be made for the purpose of satisfying the claims of the individuals with whom the contracts were made or that the Department of War be authorized to reconvey to them their lands and annul the contracts.

JOHN TYLER.

WASHINGTON, February 18, 1842.

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States:

I have the honor to invite the attention of Congress to the accompanying letter, addressed to me by the Secretary of State. You will doubtless perceive the importance of furnishing a uniform rule for the guidance of the public officers in the matter referred to in the Secretary's letter.

JOHN TYLER.

WASHINGTON, February 19, 1842.

To the House of Representatives:

In compliance with the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 8th instant, I have the honor to submit the accompanying communication from the Secretary of State and the correspondence on the subject referred to by the resolution of the House.

JOHN TYLER.

WASHINGTON, February 21, 1842.

To the Senate of the United States: