Du Buque visitor. [volume] (Dubuque, Lead Mines, Wisconsin Territory) 1836-1837, 1837-01-04
Vol. mo. IS

like observations may be applied to the
ordnance corps, and the general staff,
the operations of which, as they are
now organized, musteither be frequent
" interrupted, or performed by Off
GERS taken from the line of the army,
to the great prejudice Of the service.
For a general view OF the condition
of the military academy, and of other
branches of the military service not al
ready noticed, as well as for fuller il
Illustrations of those which have been
mentioned, l refer you to the accompa-
nying documents; and among the va
rious proposals contained therein for
legislot;ve action, l would particular
u notice the suggestion Of the secreta-
ry of war, for the revision Of the pay
Of the army, as entitled to your favor
BILE regard.
The national policy, founded alike in
interest and in humanity, so long and
SO steadily pursued by this government,
for the removal of the Indirn tribes ori-
ginally settled on this side ofthe Mis-
sissippi, to the west of that river, may
be said to have been contaminated by
the conclusion Of the late treaty with
the Cherokces. The measures taken
in the execution Of that treaty, and in
relation to our Indian affairs generally,
will fully appear by referring to the ac-
companying papers. Without dwell
ing on the numerous and important to-
pics embraced in them, again invite
your attention tothe importance of pro-
viding well-digested and comprehen-
sive system for the protection, super
vision. and improvement of the vari-
Gus tribes now planted in the Indian
country. The suggestionssubmitted by
the commissioner of Indian affairs, and
enforced by the secretary, on this sub
ject, and also in regard to the establish
ment of additional military posts in
in the Indian country, are entitled to
your profound consideration. Both
measures are necessary for the double
purpose Of protecting the Indians from
intestine war, and in other respects
complying with our engagements to
them, land Of securing our western from
tier against incursions, which otherwise
will assnredly be made on it. The best
hopes of humanity, inregard to the abo-
riginal race, the welfare Of our rapidly
extending settlements, and the honor
of the United States, are all deeply in
volved inthe relations existing between
this government and the cmigrating
tribes trust, therefore, that the va
rious matters submitted in the accom-
panving documents, in respect to those
relations, will receive your early and
mature deliberations; and that it may
issue in the adoption of legislative mea-
snres adapted to the circumstances and
duties of the present crisis.
You are referred to the report of the
Secretary ofthe navy for satisfactory
viewof the operations ofthc department.
under his charge, during the present
year. In the construction Of vessels at
the different navy yards, and in the
employment of our ships and squad
rons at sea, that branch Of the service
has been actively and usefullv employ
ed. While the situation Of our COM
mercial interests in the West Indiesre-
CURED greater number than usual Of
armed vessels to be kept on that station,
1t is gratifying to perceive that the pro-
lection 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 authorised by the
act of the last session, but all the pre-
paration necessary to enable it to sail
), has not yet been completed. Nomeans
will be spared by the government to
fitont the expedition on scale cores
ponding with the liberal appropriations
Tor the purpose, and with the elevated
character Of the objects which are to
be effected by it.
beg leave to renew 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
Of ships afloat, and to enlarge general
" the capacity and forces Of the navy.
The increase Of our commerce, and our
position in regard to the other powers
OF the world, will always make it our
policy and interest to cherish the great
naval resources of our country.
. The report of the postmaster gene
raj presents gratifying pic.
f f.. r.ro O the ,,.t-of1ice department
-nues for the year ending the
soth Of June last, were So, 39s,455 l9
showing an increase Of revenue ovel
that of the preceding year ofS4O4, S7S.