Alabama state intelligencer., 1831-01-01

ones could be repaired
 The notifications in this part of the service sug- gested in my last annual message, winch are noticed more ir detail in the report of the Secretary of the Navy, are again recommended to your serious at, tenton.
 The report of the Postmaster General, in like manner exhibits q satisfactory view of the lmpor- tant branch of the Government under his charge. In addition to the benefits already secured by the operations of tue Post Office Department, conside- rable improvements within the present year have been made by an increase in the accommodation af- forded by stage coaches, and in the frequency and ceerity of the mail between some oi the most lm- portan points of the Union.
 Under the late contracts improvements have been provided for the southern section of the county, and, at the same time, an annual saving made or upwards of seventy-tw thousand dollars Notwith- standing the excess of expenditure beyond the cur rent receipts for few years past necessarily incur red in the fulfment of existing contracts and in the additional expenses, between the periods of con tracing, to meet the demands created by the rapid growth and extension of our fourshing country; yet the satisfactory is given, that the f- ture revenue of the Department will be sufficient to meet it's extensive engagements. The system re- ceny introduced that subjects its receipts and dis busements to strict regulations has entirely fulfilled Its design. It gives full assurance of the punctual transmission, well as the security of the funds of the Department The efficiency and industry of it's olicers and the ability and energy of contractors,
 
 perty.
 The attention of Congress was called, on q former occasion, to the necessity of such modification of tiie office of Attorney General of the United States as would render fl more adequate to the warts of the public service This resulted in the establishment of the ofhce of Solicitor of the Treasury: and the earliest measures were taken to give effect to the provisions oi the law which authorized the appoint ment of that officer, and defined his duties But it IS not believed that this provision, however useful in itself, IS calculated to supersede the necessity fex tending the duties and powers of the Attorney Gene rals office. On the contrary, 1 am convinced that the public interest would be greatly promoted by giving to that officer the general supernendence of the various law agents of the Government, and of all law proceedings whether civil or criminal in which the United States may be interested, allow ing to him, at the same time, such compensation as would enable him to devote his undivided atten- ton to the public business. think such provision is alike lue to the public and to the officer
 Occasions of reference from the different Execu- tive Departments to the Attorney General, are of frequent occurrence; and the prompt decision of the questions referred tends much to facilitate the despatch of business in those Departments The report of the Secretary of the Treasury hereto ap pended, shows also branch of the public service not specifically entrusted to any officer which night be advantageously committed to the Attorney Gene ral
 But, independently of these considerations, this office Is now one of daily duty. It originally organized, and its compensation fixed, with view to occasional service, leaving to the incumbent time for the exercise of his profession in private practical Tlle state of things which warranted such an orga- nizaon no longer exists. The frequent claims upon the services of this officer would render his absence from the Seat of Government, in professional atten@ dance upon the courts injurious 10 the public services and the interests of the Government could not fail to be promoted by charging him with the general l superintendence of all its legal concerns. It
 Under strong conviction of the lustness of these suggestions, l recommend it to Congress to mako the necessary provisions fot giving effect to themf and to place the Attorney General in regard to com7 pensaon, the same footing with the heads of tha several Executive Departments. To this officer might also be ntrusted acognzance of the of insolvency in public debtors, especially if the view4t which submitted on this subject last year should meet the appreciation of Congress-to which I agaiif solicit your attention. 4tI
 Your attention is respectfully invited to the situa tion of the District of Columbia, Placed, by tn Constitution, under the exclusive jurisdiction an # control of Congress, this District is certainly enk to much greater share of it's consideration than has yet received There is a want of uniformity i its laws, particularly those of penal character, which increases the expense of their adminisration, and subjects the people to all the inconveniencet which result from the operation of different codes So small territory On different sides of the Poi mac, the same offence is punishable in unequal z grees; and the peculiarities of many of the eafr laws of Maryland and Virginia remain in force Il 5 wlthstanding their repugnance, in cases, to M Improvements which have superseded them in thi *s States. f#4
 Besides remedy for these evils, which is lou called for, it is respectfully submitted whethej ' provision authorizing the election of q Delegat represent the wants of the citizens of this Dstric M the floor of Congress, Is not due to them, and tS . character of our Government. No portion o' E# citizens should be without practical enjoymj 1 the principles of freedom; and there is none Nf important than that which cultvates propef ton between the governors and the governed. I perfect as this must be in this case yet it is be- ] that would be greatly improved by represen. asj in Congress, with the same privileges that are 13 ed to that ofthe other Territories 0fthe United, {
 The penitentiary is ready for the reception i victs, and only awaits the necessary fegisla s put 1t into operation; object of wh zx beg leave to recal to your attention the propri providing suitable compensation for the oi charged with its inspection.
 The importance of the principles involved inquiry, whether 1t will be proper to recharte Bank of the United States, requires that a again call the attention of Congress to the sut Nothing has occurred to lessen in any degrea dangers which many of our citizens apprehend3 that institution, as at present organized. Iu spirit of improvement and compromise which tnguishes country and its institutions it beco us to inquire, whether be not possible to secure advantages afforded by the present bank thrd NE the agency of Bank of the United States, so difed in its principles and structure as to obJ & Iconsiliuonal and other objections
 It IS thought practicable to organize such b lWith the necessary officers, branch of the T Isury Department, based on the public and 1 vidual deposites, without lhe power to make Il I or purchase property, which shall remit the fund l the Government, and the expenses of which maj paid, if thought advisable, by allowing it's of1 In afa lpIi ,Ia aM