The Arkansas advocate., 1834-12-26
LrTTLE ROCK, A IT. D7cEnaBER 20, 1as4.


 dently of this practical difficulty, if is ascer- tained that these documents are often loosely granted; sometimes, even blank certificates have been issued; sometimes prepared papers have beensigned without inquiry; and in one instance at least, the seal of a court has been within reach ofaperson most interested in its improper application. It Is obvious that ul4 der such circumstances, no severity of admin lstratlon can check the abuse of the law; and information has from time to time, been com munlcated to the Pension Office, questioning or denying the right of persons placed upon the pensionlist, to the bou nty of the country. Such cautions are always attended to, and examined. But a far more general investi- gation is called for. And therefore recom- mend in conformity with the suggestion of the Secretary of War, that an actual inspection should be made in each State, into the cir cumstances and claims of every person now drawing pension. The honest veteran has nothing to fear from such scrutiny, while the fraudulent claimant will be detected and the public treasury relieved to an amount, I have reason to believe, far greater than has heretofore been suspected. The details of , such aplan could be so regulated as to. inter- pose the necessary checks, without any bur thensonae operation upon the pensioners. The object should be two fold:
 |. To look into the original justice of the claims, so far as this can be done under q pro- per system of regulations, by an examina- ton of the claimants themselves, and by in- quiring in the vicinity of their residence, into theirhistorg, and into heopinion entertained oftheir revolutionary services.
 ?. To ascertain, in all cases, whether the original claimantis is living, and this by actual personal inspection.
 This measure will, if adopted, be produe- tive, l think, ef the desired results, and I therefore recommend 1t to your consideration, with the further suggestion, thatall payments should be suspended till the necessary reports are received.
 It will be seen by q tabular statement an- nexed to the documents transmitted to Con- gfess, that the appropriations for objects con- nected with the War Departnent, made at the last. session, for the service of the year 1884, excluding the permanent appropria- tion for the payment of military gratuities under the act of June ', 1882, the appropria- tion of two hundred thousand dollars fer arm- ing and equipping the militia, and the appro- pration of ten thousand dollars for the ciyili- zation of the Indians, whichare not annually renewed. amounted to the sum of nine mil lions three thousand two hapdred aliu sixty one dollars, and that the estimates of appro- priations necessary for the same branches of service for the year 1885. .amount to the sum of five millions seven huidred and seventy eipht thousand nine hunqed and sixty-four dollars, making difference in the appropri- ations of the current year sver the estimates of appropriations for the next, of g, PA, 297.
 The principal causes which have operated at this time to produce this great difference, are shown in the reportsand documents, and in the detailed estimates. Some of these causes are accidental and temporary, while others are permanent, aid, aided by a just course of administration. may continue to operate benefcially upon he public expendi- lures.
 A just economy, expenGng where the pub- lie service requires, and withholding where 1t does not, is among the indispensable duties of the Government.
 refer you to the accompanying report of the Secretary of the Nav, and to the docu- ments with it, for full ypW ofthe operations of that important branch of our service, du- ring the present year. will be seen that the wisdom and literally with which Con- cress have provided for he gradual increase of our navy material, hap been seconded by a corresponding zeal andfdelity on the part of those to whom has ben confided the exe- cutions of the laws on tie subject, and that but short period would be now required to put in commission a fote large enough for any exigency into. whici the country may be thrown.
 When we reflect upn our position in re- lation to other nations 1t must be apparent, that in the event of cnficts with them, we must look chiefly to or navy for the protec- tion of our national rights. The wide seas which separate us frdn other governments, must of necessity be tie theatre on which ali enemy will aim to a$ail us, and unless we arc prepared to meet linn on this element, we cannot be said to possess the power requisite to repel or prevent aggressions. We cannot, therefore, watch will too much attention this arm of our defence, dr cherish with too much care the means by which 1t can possess the necessary efficiency md extension. To. this