Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1830-12-15

operations ofthc Post Office Department
considerable improvements within the
present year have been secured, by an in
crease in the accommodation of stage
coaches, and in the frequency and &C.
lerity of the transportation ofthe mail be-
tween some of the most important points
of the Union.
\ Undcrthc late contracts, Improvements
have been provided for the southern sec
ton ofthc country, and, at the same time,
an annual saving made, of upwards of
scvcnty-two thousand dollars. Notwith-
standing the excess Of expenditure be-
yond the current receipts for a few years
past necessarily incurred in the fulfilment
of existing contracts, and in the addition
al expenses, between the periods OF con-
tracing, to meet the demands created by
the rapid growth and extension of our
flourishing country: yet the satisfactory
assurance is given, that the future reven-
uc Of the Department will be sufficient
to meet its extensive engagements. The
system recently introduced, that subjects
its receipts and disbursements to strict
regulation has entirely fulfilled its design.
1t gives full assurance of the punctual
transmission, as well as the security Of
the funds the Department. The efic-
iency and industry of its officers, and the
ability and energy of contractors, Justify
an increased confidence in its continued
prosperity.
The attention of congress was called,
on former occasion, to the necessity
of such modification ofthe Office of At
torney General of the United States as
would render it more adequate to the
wants of the public service. This result
ed in the establishment of the Office of
Solicitor of the Treasury; and the earli-
est measures were taken to give effect to
the provisions Of the law which authoriz-
ed the appointment ofthat officer and de-
fined his duties. But it is not believed
that this provision, however useful in it.
self, is calculated to supersede the nee cs-
sity of extending the duties and powers
ofthe attorney Generals Office. On the
contrary, am convinced that the pub
lie interest would be greatly promoted
by giving to that officer the general su-
perintendence of the various law agents
of the Government, and of all law pro-
ceedings, whether civil or criminal, in
which the United States may be interest
ed, allowing to him atthe same time, such
a compensation as would enable him to
devote his undivided attention to the pub
lie business. think such provision is
alike due to the public and to the officer.
Occasions of reference from the differ
ent Executive Departments to the Attor-
ney General are Of frequent occurrence,
and the prompt decision Of the questions
so referred tends much to facilitate the
despatch of business in those Depart
ments. The report of the Secretary of
the Treasury, hereto appended, shows
also branch of the public service, not
specifically entrusted to any officer which
might be advantageously committed to
the Attronoy General.
But independently of those considcra-
tons. this Office is now one of daily du-
Ity. 1t was originally organized, and
its compensation fixed, with view to
occasional service, leaving to the incum-
bent time for the exercise OF his profess
sion in private practice The state of
things which warranted such an organi-
zation, no longer exists. The frequent
claims upon the services Of this officer
would render his absence from the Seat
of Government, in professional attend
ance upon the courts, injurious to the
public service and the interests of the
Government could not fail to be promoted
by charging him with the general super
intcndence of all its legal concerns.
Under a strong conviction of the just
ness of these suggestions, | recommend
it to Congress to make the necessary
provisions for giving effect to them, and
to place the Attorney General, in regard
to compensation, on the same footing
with the heads of the several Executive
Departments. TO this officer might al
so be intrusted cognizancc of the cas-
es of insolvency in public debtors, espe-
cially if the views which | submitted on
this subject last year should meet the ap-
probation of Congress, to which | again
solicit your attention.
Your attention is respectfully invited
to the situation of the District of Colum-
bia. Placed, by the Constitution, under
the exclusive jurisdiction and control of
Congress, this District is certainly cnti-
tied to much greater share of its con-
sideration than it has yet received. There
is want of uniformity in its laws, particu-
larly in those of a penal character, which
increases the expense of their admins
tration, and subjects the people to all the
Inconvenience which result from the
operation of different codes i'm so small a