Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1834-12-11

~ AtAC iiS At Va f~aS~hD ftoSSN 49,
tension list, to the bounty Of the coun-
ny. Such precautions are always at
ended to, and examined. But a far
more general investigation is called |
or. And therefore recommend, in
with the suggestion Of the
Secretary of War, that an actual in
spection should be made, in each state
into the circumstances and claims of
every person now drawing a pension.
The honest veteran has nothing to fear
from such scrutiny, while the fraudu-
lent claimant will be detected, and the
public treasury relieved to an amount |
have reason to believe, FAR greater than
has heretofore been suspected. The
details of such q plan, could be so reg
ulated as to intcrpose the necessary
checks, without any burthensome ope-
ration upon the pensioners. The OBJ
iect should be two fold:
/. To look into the original justice
ofthe claims, so far as it can be done
under proper system Of regulations,
by an examination of the claimants
themselves, and by inqulring in the vi
cinity ofthcir residence into their his
tory, and into the opinion entertained
oftheir revolutionary services.
Q. To ascertain, in all cases, whoth.
err the original claimant is still living,
and this by actual personal inspection.
This rleasure, will, if adopted, be
productive, think, Of the desired re-
suits, and therefore recommend it to
your consideration, with the further
suggestion, that all payments should be
suspended till the necessary reports are
received.
1t will be seen by q tabular state
ment annexed to the documents trans
mi tied to congress, that the appropria-
tons for objects connected with the
War Department, made at the last ses-
sion, for the service of the year 1894,
excluding the permanent appropria
ton for the payment of military gratu.
tiles under the act of June 7 1882, the
appropriation oftwo hundred thousand
dollars for arming and equipping the
militia, and the appropriation of ten
thousand dollars for civilizing the
Indians, are not annually renewed,
amounted to the sum of nine millions
three thousand two hundred and sixty
one dollars, and tho estimates ofappro-
prlations necessary for the same
branches ofservice for the year 1885,
amount to the sum of five millions sew.
en- hundred and seventy eight thousand
nine hundred and sixty-four dollars,
making a difference in the 7ppropria.
tons for the next, of three millions two
hundred and twenty four thousand two
hundred and ninety. seven dollars.
The principal causes which have OPP
Grated at this time to produce this great
difference are shown in the reports
and documents, and in the detailed es.
Inmates. Some of these causes are &C.
cidental and temporary, while others
are permanent, and, aided by a just
course of administration, may continue
to operate benefcially upon the public
expenditures.
A just economy, expanding where
the public service requires, and with
holding where it does not, is among
the Indispensable duties of the govern
ment.
! refer you to the accompanying re-
port of the Secretary of the Navy, and
the documents with it, for a full view
of the operations Of that important
branch of our service, during the pres
ent year. 1t will be seen that the
wisdom and liberality with which con-
gress has provided for the gradual in
crease of our navy material, have been
seconded by a corresponding zeal and
fidelity on the part of those to whom
has been confided the execution of the
laws on the subject, and that but a
short period would be now required to
put in commission force large enough
for any exigency into which the coun.
try may be thrown.
When we reflect upon our position
in relation to other nations, it must be
apparent that in the event of conflicts
with them, we must look chiefly to our
navy for the protection of our national
rights. The wide seas which separate
us from other governments, must ofne-
cesslly be the theatre on which an en-.
envy will aim to assail us, and unless
we are prepared to meet him on this ell
ement, we cannot be said to possess
the power required to repcl or prevent
aggresslons. We cannot, therefore.
watch with too much attention this
arm of our defence, or cherish with too
much care the means by which it can
possess the necessary efficiency and
extension. To this end our policy has
been heretofore wisely directed to the
constant employment of force sufi.
Gent to guard our commerce, and TO
the rapid accumulation ofthe matariels
which are necessary to repair our YES.
sells, and construct with ease, such new
ones as may be required in case of