Richmond Indiana palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1837-1839, 1838-12-15

ertions. The importance Of some form Of govern
ment cannot be too much insisted upon. The ear
Hest effects will be to diminish the causes and oc-
casions for hostilies among the tribes, to inspire
an interest in the observance OF laws to which
they will have themselves assented, and to multi
ply the securities Of property, and the motives for
self improv en,ent. Intimately connected with this
subject, is the establishment Of the military de-
fences recommended by the Secretary of War,
which have been already referred to. Without
them, the Gov ernmeni will be powerless to redeem
il. pledges Of protection to the emigrating Indians
against the numerous warlike tribes that surround
them and TO provide for the safety of the frontier
settlers Of the bordering States.
The case Of the Semnoles constitutes at pre-
sent the only exception to the successful effsrts
OF the government to remove the Indians 10 the
homes assigned them west of the Mississippi
-Four hundred Of this tribe emigrated in 1896, and
fifteen hundred in 1887 and 1888. leaving in the
country, il is supposed, about 200 Indians. The
continued treacherou. conduct Of these people;
the savage and unprovoked murders they have
lately committed, butchering whole families Of the
settlers Of the Territory, without distinction ofase
sex, and making their way into the very centre
and heart Of he country, that no part Of it is
free from their rayages their frequent attacks on
the lighthouses along that dangerous coast; and
the barbarity with which they have murdered the
passengers and crews Of such vessels as have been
wrecked upon the reefs and keys which border
the Gulf, leave the Government alternative
but to continue the military operations against
them until they are totally expelled from Florida
There other moiv which would urge the
Government to pursue this course towards the
SemInocs. The United States have fulfilled in
good faith all their treaty stipuatons with the In
dian tribes, and have, in every other instance, in
sisted upon like performance Of their obligations.
To relax from this sautarv rule because the Sem
| inoles have maintained themselves so long in the
| Territory they had renqushcd, and, in defiance
/ nj hai FREQ nOIo olorpn
/ continue to wage a ruthless against the Uni
ted States, would not only evince want of con-
stancy on our part, but be evil example in n
! tercourse with other tribes. Experience has shown
that but little is to be gained by the march of
mics through a country so intersected with mac
cessible swamps and marshes, and which, from the
fatal character of the climate, must DO abandoned
at the end Of the winter. recommend, therefore,
to your attention the plan submitted by the Sc
crctary of War in the accompanying report, for
the permanent occupation Of the portion of the
territory freed from the Indians, and the more eff
fcient protection Of the people Of Florida from
their nhuman warfare.
From the report Of the Secretary Of the Navy,
herewith transmitted, it will appear that Il large
portion of the disPosable naval force s either
lively employed, or in state of preparation foi
the purposes of experience and discipline, and tho
protection OF our commerce. So etfectua has
been this protection, that, SO far as the informa
ton of Government extends, not q single outrage
has been attempted on vessel CARRYING the flag
Of the United States, within the present year. il
any quarter, however distant exposed.
The exploring expedition sailed from Norfolk
on the 18th of August last and information has
been received of its safe arrival at the island o
Madeira. The best spirit animates the officers
and crews, and there Is every reason to antici
pate, from its efforts, results beneficial to com
; merce and honorable to the nation.
J 1t will also be that reduction of thu
force now IN commission IS contemplated. Thu
$ renders it indispensable that commerce SHOULD
. receive protection in that quarter; the vast an
increasing interests embarked in the trade Of tn
II Indian and China Seas, in the whale fisheries c
IS the Pacific ocean, and in the Gulf of Mexico, re
= qure equal attention to their safety; and sma
g squadron may be employed to great advantage o
y our Atlantic coast, in meeting sudden demands f.
% the reinforcement of other stations, aiding
l. chant vessels in distress, in af,rdng active
r vics to an additional number of officers, and i
* visiting the different ports OF the United States
n an accurate knowledge Of which IS obviously
&c the highest importance.
e The attention Of Congress is respectfully Gale
e to that portion of the report recommending an il
n IN the number of smaller vessels ,and to ott
D. suggestions contained lii that document. Til
E. rapid increase and wide expansion of our cor
re mercc, which IS every day seeking new avenue
e of profitable adventure; the absolute necessity
&c naval force for its protection precisely in til
s, degree Of its extension; due regard to the ns
10 ,ional rights aud honor; the recollection Of i
IT. former exploits and the anticipation of its futul
he triu,nphs whenever opportunity presents itsel
,o which we may rightly indulge from the expe
re fence Of the past, all seem to point to the nav
d, most efficient arm of national defcnc
he and proper object Of legislative encouragement
BIT The progress and condition of the Post Offic
Sc Department will be seen by reference to the r
C. port of the Postmaster General. The extent
rs post ROADS, covered by mail contracts, stated
re be 1874, SIS miles, and the annual transporta,ic
e; upon them 81, $50 ,2O2 miles. The number
IN post offices in the United States is IL $50,
m rapidly increasing. The gross revenue for II
lie year ending GA the 3O,h day of June last W,
es Si,262,l las 90. The accruing expenditure
C Si.6SO,O6S 90; excess Of expenditures, S4l1
e. 923 90. This has been made up out Of the su
n plus previously hand. The cash on hand {
g, the first instant, was S3l4,O6S 90. The reyen,
to for the year ending June 80, 1898, Sl6l 81
r. more than that for the year ending June 80 lS3
The expenditures Of the department had be.
ne graduated upon the anticipation of largely
iy creased revenue. moderate curtament of m;
IT. service consequently became necessary, and
a been effected, to shield the department again
n the danger of embarrassment. Its revenue is nc
sc improving, and it will soon resume its onwa
r. course in the march Of improvement.