Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1836-12-28

The important subjects of survey Of the
coast, and the manufacture Of standard of
weights and measures for the different CUSTOM
houses. have been in progress for some years, un-
der the general direction of the Executive,
and the immediate supcrintendence Of GENTLE
man possessing high scientific attainments. At
the last session Of Congress, the making of
set OF weights and measures for each State in the
Union was added to the others by joint resolu-
ton.
The care and correspondence 10 all these SUBJ
jects have been devolved ON the Treasury Depart
ment during the last year. A special report from
the Secretary of the Treasury will soon be CON-
municated to Congress, which will show what has
been accomplished as to the whole, the number
and compensation of the persons now employed
in these duties, and the progress expected TO DO
made during the ensuing year, with a copy of the
various correspondence deemed necessary to throw
light on the subjects which seem to require addi-
tional legislation. Claims have been made for re-
Irrespective allowances in bohalfpfthe superinten
dent, and some Of his assistants, which did not
feel justified in granting; other claims have been
made for large increases in compensation, which,
under all the circumstances of several cases, de-
clined making without the express sanction of
Congress. In order to obtain that sanction, the
SUBJECT was at the last session, on my suggestion
and by the request of the immediate superinten-
dent, submitted by the Treasury Department to
the Committee OF Commerce of the House of Re-
representatives.. But no legislative action having
taken place, the early attention of Congress is now
invied TO the enactment OF some express and de-
tailed provisions In relation to the various claims
made for the past, and to the compensation ard al.
lowances deemed proper for the future.
1t Is further respectfully recommended that
such being the inconvenience of attention to these
duties by tie Chief Magistrate, and such the great
pressure OF business the Treasury Depart
mont, the general supervision of the coast survey,
and the completion of the weights and measures,
if the works are kept united, should BIO devoved
ON board of officers organized specially for that
purpose, On the Navy Board attached to the Navy
Department
All my experience and reflection con-
firm the conviction have so often express.
sed to congress, in favor of an amendment
of the Constitution, which will prevent, in
any event. the election the President and
} Vice President of the United States de-.
volving on the House of Representatives
and the Senate and beg leave again to
solicit your attention to the subject. There
were various other suggestions in my last
annual message, not acted upon, particu.
: larry that relating to the want of uniformity
in the laws of the District of Columbia, that
, are deemed worthy Of your favorable con.
sideration.
Before concluding this paper, think il
due to the various Executive Departments
to bear testimony 10 their prosperous con.
dition, and to the ability and integrity with
which they have been conducted. 1t has
been my aim to enforce in all of them a
i vigilant and faithful discharge of the public
5 business, and is gratifying for me to believe
: that there is no just cause of complaint from
any quarter, at the manner in which they
have fulfilled the objects of their creation.
Having now finished the observations
, deemed proper on this the last occasion
9 shall have of communicating with the two
Houses of Congress at their meeting,
cannot omit an expression of the gratitude
!, which is due to the great body of my fel
; low citizens, in whose partially and indul
: gence | have found encouragement ant
t support in the many difficulties and tryin,
: scenes through which it has been my lot t
a pass during my public career. Though
o deeply sensible that my exertions have
9 been crowned with success correspond
r ing to the degree Of favor bestowed upor
:. me, | am sure that they will be considered
v as having been directed by an earnest de-
a sire to promote the good of my country
and ! am consoled by the persuasion tina
: whatever errors have been committed vii
9 find a corrective in the intelligence ant
9 patriotism of those who will succeed us.
All that has occurred during my admin
. istration is calculated to Inspire me wit
. increased confidence in the stability of on
J. institutions; and should l be spared to en-
It ter upon that retirement which is so sutabl
e to my age and infrm health, and SO muc
= desired by me in other respects, shall no
!. cease to invoke that benifcent Being, +
If whose providence we are all so sig
nally indebted for the continuance of hi
$ blessings on our beloved country.
: ANDREW JACKSON.
j, Washington, Dec. 6, 1886.