Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1836-12-14

erai OF the most important surveys and
constructions directed by recent laws,
have been suspended in consequence
OF the want of adequate force in these
corps. The like observations may be
applied to the Ordnance corps, and the
General Staff, the operations orwhich,
as they are now organized, must ell
Their be frequently interrupted, or per-
formed by officers taken from the line
OF the army, to the great prejudice OF
the service.
For a general view OF the condition
ofthe Military Academy, and of other
branches of the military service not
already noticed, as well as for further
illustrations of those which have been
mentioned, | refer you to the accom-.
panying documents and among the
various proposals contained therein for
Legislative action, | would particularly
notice the suggestion Of the Secretary
of War for revision Of the pay of the
army, as entitled to your favorable re.
gard.
The national policy, founded alike
IN interest and in humanity, so long
and so steadily pursued by this govern.
ment, for tine reno val of the Indian
tribes originally settled on this side OF
the Mississippi, to the west of that ri.
yer, may be said to have been consum-
mated by the conclusion of the late
treaty with the Cherokees. The mea.
sures taken in the execution of that
treaty, and in relation to our Indian
affairs generally, will fully appear by
referring to the accompanying papers.
Without dwelling on the numerous and
important topics embraced in them,
again invite your attention to the i'm.
portance of providing a we'll -digestfd
and comprehensive system for the pro.
lection, supervision, and improvement
OF the various tribes now planted in the
Indian country. The suggestions SUBJ
mitted by the Commissioner of Indian
Adams, and enforced by the Secreta-
~, on this subject, and also in regard
TO the establishment of additional mill
tary posts in the Indian country, arc
entitledto your profound consideration.
Both measures are necessary for the
double purpose of protecting the lndi-
ans from intestine war, and in other
respects complying with our engage
ments to them, and of securing our
western frontier against incursions,
which otherwise will assuredly be made
on it. The best hopes of humanity, in
regard to the aboriginal race, the well
fare of our rapidly extending settle.
ments, and the honor of the u. States,
are all deeply involved in the relations
existing between this Government and
the ENGRAVING tribes. | trust, there
fore, that the various matters submit
ed in the accompanying documents, in
respect to those relations, will receive
your early and mature deliberation /;
and that it may issue in the adoption
oflegislative measures adapted to the
circumstances and duties of the present
crisis.
You are referred to the report ofthe
of the Navy for a satisfacto-
ry view of the department under his
charge, during the present year. In
the construction Of vessels at the DIFF
terent navy yards, and in the employ
ment ofour ships and %squadronS at sea,
that branch of the service has been
actively and uselully employed. While
the situation of our commercial inter-
ests in the West Indies, required a
greater number than usual OF armed
vessels to be kept on that station, it is
gratifying to perceive that the protec-
ton due to our commerce in other
quarters of the world has not proved
insufficient. Every effort has been
made to facilitate the equipment of the
exploring expedition authorized by
the act OF the last session, but all the
preparation necessary to enable it to
sail has not yet bsen completed. No
means will be spared by the Govern
ment to fit out the expedition on a scale
corresponding with the liberal appro-
priations for the purpose, and with the
elevated character of the objects which
are to be effected by it.
| beg leave to enew the recommen-
dation made in my last annual message
respecting the enlistment of boys in
our naval service, and to urge upon
your attention the necessity Of further
appropriations TO increase the number
ofships afoat, and to enlarge general
ly the capacity and force Of the navy.
The increase ofour commerce, and our
position in regard to the other powers
ofthe world, will always make it our
and interest to cherish the great
naval resources of our country.
The report Of the Postmaster Gene
raj presents a gratifying picture of the
condition Of the P. Office Department.
Its revenues for the year ending the
3Oth of June last, were $3,396, 455 10,
showing an increase of revenue over
that ofthe preceding wear of S404.S7S