The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-07


sons to whom the trade with them and the acquisition
Of their annuilics important; aud in by the
personal influence of interested Chiefs These obsia-
ces must be overcome for the Government cannot re-
n9nish the execution Of this policy without sacrificing
important interests aud abandoning the tribes remain
log east OF the Mississippi to certain destruction
The decrease in numbers of the tribes within the
limits OF the States and Territories has been most
rapid. II they be removed, they can be protected
from those associations and evil practices which
ert so pernicous and destructive an influence over
their desiinies They can be induced to labor, and
to acquire property, and It's acquisition will inspire
them with feeling Of independence Their minds
can be cultivated and they can be taught the value
OF santary and uniform laws, and be made sensible
OF the blessings OF free government and capable OF
enjoying its advantages In the possession OF pro-
perry knowledge, and a good Government, free to
give what direction they please TO their labor and
sharers in the legislation by which their persons and
the profits of their industry TO be protected and
secured, they will have an ever present conviction
of the importance OF union, OF peace among them
selves and of the preservation OF amicable relations
with us. The interests of the United States would
also be greatly promoted by freeing the relations be-
tween the General and State Governments from
what has proved most embarrassing incumbrance,
by satisfactory adjustment of conflicting titles TO
lands, caused by the occupation OF the Indians, and
by causing the resources Of the whole country TO be
developed by the power of the State and General
Governments, and improved by the enterprise Of
white population.
Intimately connected with this subject is the obi
CATION of the Government TO fulfil It's treaty stipu
laiions, and TO protect the Indians thus assembled
at their residences from all interruptions and
disturbances from any other tribes or nations OF lnr
dams, or from any other person or persons whatsH
ever" and the equally solemn obligation to guard
from Indian hostility its own border settlements,
stretching along a line OF more than one thousand
miles. To enable the Governmenkto redeem this
pledge 10 the Indians and 10 afford adequate pro-
lection to its citizens, will require the continual
presence of considerable regular force on the
frontiers, and the establishment of chain of perma-
nent posts. Examinations of the country are now
making, with view to decide on the most suitable
points for the erection of fortresses and other works
Of defence the results of which will be presented TO
you by the Secretary of War at an early day, toge
Their with plan for the efectual protection of the
friendly Indians, and the permanent defence Of the
frontier States.
By the report of the Secretary of the Navy, here
with communicated it appears that unremitted exer-
tons have been made at the different navy yards to
carry into effect all authorized measures for the ex
tension and employment OF our naval force. The
launching and preparation of the ship OF the line
Pennsylvania and the complete repairs Of the ships
of the line Ohio, Delaware, and Columbus, may be
noticed, as forming a respectable addition to this
important arm of our national defence. Our com
merce and navigation have received increased aid
and protection during the present year. Our squad
in the Pacific and on the Brazilian station have
been much increased and that In the Mediterra-
nean although small, is adequate to the present
wants of our commerce in that sea. Additions have
been made 10 squadron on the West India sta
ton where the large force under Commodore Dali
las has been most actively and efficiently employed
in protecting our commerce. In preventing the inn
portalion of slaves, and in cooperating with Off
GERS CT the Army in carrying the war in Florida.
The satisfactory condition of our naval force
abroad leaves III our disposal the meaLs Of conve-
nienlly providing, for home squadron, for the pro-
lection Of commerce upon our extensive coast. The
amount of appropriations required for such squad
ron will be found in the general estimates for the
naval service for the year 1885
The naval officers engaged upon our coast survey
have rendered important service 10 our navigation.
The discovery of new channel into the harbor of
New York, through which our largest ships may
pass without danger, must afford important CONNER
cial advantages to that hatbor and add greatly to its
value as naval station. The accurate survey of
Georges shoals off the coast of Massachusetts, lately
completed win render comparatively safe navi-
cation hitherto considered dangerous.
Considerable additions have been made to the
number Of captains, commanders, lieutenants, sur
geons, and assistant surgeons in the Navy These
additions rendered necessary by the increased
number Of vessels put in commission, to answer the
exigencies of our growing commerce
Your attention is respectfully invited to the va
rious suggestions of the Secretary, for the improve
ment of the naval service.
The report of the Postmaster General exhibits the
progress and condition of the mail service The
operations of the Post Office Department constitute
one of the most active elements OF our national
prosperity, and it is gratifying 10 observe with what
vigor they are conducted The mail routes of the
United States cover an extent OF about one hun
bred and forty-two thousand eight hundred and
seventy-seven miles, having been increased about
thirty-seven thousand one hundred and three miles
within the last two years. The annual mail trans
portation on these routes is about thirty-six mil
lions two hundred and twenty-eight thousand nine
hundred and sixty-wo miles, having been increased
about ten millions three hundred and iiy-nine
thousand four hundred and seventy-sx miles within
the same period. The number Of post offices has
also been increased from ten thousand seven hun
dred and seventy to twelve thousand and ninety
nine, very few of which receive the mails less than
once week and large portion of them daily
Contractors and postmasters in general are repre-
sented attending to their duties with most COM
mendable zeal and fidelity.
The revenue of the Department, within the year
ending on the thirteth June last, was four millions
one hundred and thirty-seven thousand and fifty
six dollars and iy-nine cents; and its liabilities
accruing within the same time were three millions
three hundred and eighty thousand eight hundred
and forty-seven dollars and seveniyfve cents. The
increase of revenue that of the preceding year
was seven hundred and eight thousand one hundred
and sixty-sx dollars and forty-one cents.
For many interesting details refer you to the re-
port Of the Postmaster General, with the accompa-
nying paper. Your particular attention is invited
t. the necessity of providing more safe and con-
partment
| lay before Congress copies Of reports submitted
in pursuance Of call made by me upon the heads of
Departments, for such suggestions as their expe-
rence might enable them to make as to what further
Legislative provisions may be advantageously adopt
ed tosecurethe faithful application of public moneys
to the objects for which they are appropriated; to
prevent their misappcation or embezzlement by
those entrusted with The expenditure Of them; and
generally 10 increase the security of the Government
against losses in their disbursement It is needless
to dilate on the importance of providing such new
safeguards as are within the power of Legislation to
promote these ends; and have little to add to the
recommendations submitted in the accompanying
papers. . XII
BY law, the terms of service Of our most important
collecting and disbursing officers in the civil depart
mcns limited to four years. and when reappoin,.
ed their bonds are required to be renewed
The safety Of the public is much increased by this