The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1834-12-10

!. hich permanent military force should
be maintained in oar country. The les
sons of history teach US lis danger, and
the tendency which exits to an increase.
This can be best met and ayerted by
just caution on the part of the public IT.
self, and those who represent them in
Congress.
From the duties which deyolye on the
Engineer Department, and upon the
Typographical Engineers, a different
organization seems to be demanded by
the publick interest, and | recommend
the subject to your consideration.
No important change has, during this
season, taken place in the condition of
the Indians. Arrangements are in pro-
gress for the removal of the Creeks, and
will be soon for the removal of the Sem
inoles. regret that the Cherokees east
of the Mississippi have not yet deter
mined, as a community, to remove. How
long the personal causes which have
heretofore retarded that ultimately III
evitable measure, will continue to operate
l am unable TO conjecture. 1t is certain
however, that delay will bring with 1t
accumulated evils; which will render
their condition more and more unpleas-
ant. The experience of every year adds
to the conviction, that emigration, and
that alone can preserve from destruction
the remnant Of the tribes yet living among
us. The facility with which the neces-
saries of life are procured, and the trea-
ty stipulatlons providing aid for the emi-
| grant Indians III their agriculture pur-
suits, and in the important concern of
education, and their removal from those
causes which heretofore depressed all
and destroyed many of the tribes, can
/ not fail to stimulate their exertiOns, and
/ to reward theiI industry.
The two laws passed at the last ses-
sion of Congress on the subjects of the
Indian affairs, have been carried into
effect, and detailed instructions for their
administration, have been given. 1t will
be seen by the estimates for the present
session, that great reduction will take
place in the expenditures of the depart
ment III consequence of these laws. And
there is reason to believe that their ope-
ration will be salutary, and that the col
onization of the Indians on the western
frontier, together with a iudicious sys-
tenn of administration, will still further
reduce the expenses of this branch of the
public service, and at the same time pro-
mote its usefulness and efficiency
Circumstances have been developed
showing the existence ofeXtenslve frauds
under the various laws granting pensions
and gratuities for Revolutionary services
Ii rs impossible to estimate the amount
which may have been thus fraudulcntly
obtained from the national treasury.
am satisfied, however, it has been sucl
as TO justify a rc-eXamination of the sys.
tenn, and the adoption of the necessary
: checks in its administration. All will agre,
: that the services and suffering of the rem
nant Of the Revolutionary band, shoulC
be fully compensated. But while this i.
done, every proper precaution should be
: taken to prevent the admission. of fabri-
Gated and fraudulent claims. In the pres
ent mode of proceeding, the attestaton,
and certificates of Judicial officers o
the various states, form n considerable
portion ofthc checks which are interposee
: against the commission of frauds. These
however, have been, and may be, fabri
Gated, and in such way as to elude de-
lection at the examining offices. And in
dependently of this practical difficulty, i
Is ascertained that these documents ar,
often loosely granted; sometimes, ever
= blank certificates have been issued; some.
times, prepared papers have been signeo
without enquiry and, in one instanc.
at least, the seal of the court has beer
within the reach of a person most inter
csted in ITS improper application.
1t is obvious that, under such circum
stances, no severity of administration cal
check the abuse of the law; and infor
nation has, from time to time, beer
: communicated to the Pension Office
> questioning or denying the right of per
S sons placed upon the pension-lst to th
: bounty of the country. Such caution
are always attended to and examined
: But far more general investigation i
Il called for, and therefore recommend
D IN conformity with the suggestion of tn
: Secretary of War, that an actual inspec
ton should be made in each State, int,
u the circumstances and claims of ever
4 person now drawing pension. The hon
est veteran has nothing to fear from sucl
a scrutinity, while the fraudulent claim
ant will be detected, and the public trca
sury relieved to an amount, | have rea
G son to believe, far greater than has here
f tofore been suspected. The details o
5 such plan could be so regulated as {,
interpose the necessary checks, withou
any burthensome operation upon tn