The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-12-11


the reefs and keys which border The Gulf leave the
Government no alternative but to continue tho mil
itary operations against them until they totally
! expelled from Florida.
There other motive which would urge the
| Government 10 pursue this course towards the Sem.
mole. The United States have fulfilled in good
faith all their treaty stipuIations the Indian
tribes, and have in every instance, insisted upon
like performance of ;her obligations. To relax
from this sautary rule because the Seminoles have
maintained themselves so long in the Territory they
had reinqushcd, and, in defiance of their frequent
| and solemn engagements, still continue to wage a
ruthless war against the United States, would not
only evince want ofconstancy our part, but be
OF EVIL example in our Intercourse with the other
tribes Experience has shown that but little is
to he gained by the march of armies through
country SO ntersected with inaccessible swamps
and marshes, and which from the fatal character
OF the climate, must be abandoned at tlle end of
the winter | recommend, therefore to your at
tention the plan submitted by the Secretary of
war III the accompanying report, for the prema-
nent occupation Of lthe portion of the territory
freed from the Indians, and the more efficient
protection of lhe people ofFlorida from their
unhunan warfare.
From the report Of The Secretary Of the Navy
herewith transmitted, it will appear that large
portion Of the disposnbe naval force is either
actively employed, or in state of preparation
for the purpose of experience and discipline, s.
the protection OF our commerce. So etlectual
has this been professional, that, so far as the in
formation OF Government extends. not n single
outrage has been attempted on a vessel carrying
the flag the United States, within the pre-
sent year, in any quarter however distant or
exposed.
The exploring expedition sailed from Norfolk
ON the 18Th of August last and Information has
been received Of its snie arrival at the island of
Madeira. The best spirit animates the officers
ana crew, and there is every reason to anticipate
| iron its ltIN
and honorable to the milton.
1t will also be seen that no reduction of the
force now in commission is contemplated. The
unsetie state ola portion of South America rem
ders 1t Indispensable that our commerce should
receive protection in that quarter; the vast and
increasing interests embarked in the trade ofIn-
dian and China seas, in the whale fishery OF the
Pacific ocean. and in the Gull of Mexico, require
equal attention to their safety; and IL small squad
ron may he employed to great advantage on our
Atlantic coast, in meeting sudden demands for
tie reinforcement OF other stations in aiding
merchant vessels in distress, in afiurding active
service 10 an additional number of officers, and
in visiting The different ports of the u. States all
accurate knowledge ofWhich is obviously of the
highest importance.
Tie attention of Congress is respectfully call
ed TO that portion OF the report Recommending
an increase IN the number of the smaller vessels,
and to other suggestions contained in that docu-
ment. The rapid increase and wide expansion
OF our commerce, which is every day seeking
new avenues of profitable adventure; the absolute
necessity OF Il naval force for its protection pre-
csely III the degree Of its extensions; a due re.
gard to the nounal honor; the recollection of its
| former exploits, and the anticipation of its future
trlumohs whenever opportunity presents itself,
which we may rightuly indulge from the eXpe-
renee OF the pnst all seem to point to the navy
Il most efficient arm of onr national defence
and proper object of legislative encourage.
mcnt.
The progress and condition of the Post OF.
flee Department will be seen by reference to the
report of the Postmaster General. The extent
OF post roads, covered by mall contracts, is sta
ted to he BASIS miles, and the annual trauspor-
talion upon them "a, 5S0,202 miles. The mum
Der Of post Offices in the United States is 1853
and rapidly increasing. The gross revenue 70,
the yenr ending on the Both day of June lasr
was S4 ,2G2, AS 90; accruing expenditures
"a ,OoOOdS 90; excess of expenditures, $4l7 023
w. rms has been made up out ofthe surplus
previously on hand The cash on hand on the
iiist instant was $3i4,0GS co. The revenue for
the year ending June 3d. 1888, was $IGl.5i0,
more than that for the year ending June 30, 1887
Inc expenditures of the department had been
graduated upon the anticipation of largely in.
creased revenue. A moderate curtament of
tnhI service consequently became necessary,
ana has been affected, to shield the department
against the danger o. embarrassment. Its rev.
ehne is now improving, and it will soon re-
sumo lis onward course in the march ofnnprove-
ment
Your particular attention is requested to so
huch OF the Postmaster Generals report as re-
i a,es te the transportation of FINALS upon railroads.
1 he laws on that subject do not seem adequate
10 secure that service, now become almost essen
tai to the public interests, and Mt the same time
protect the department from combinations and
unreasonable demands.
NOR can to earnestly request your attention
to- the necessity providing n more secure bull
iIng Tor this department. The danger of desiruc
ton to which its important hooks and papers are
continually exposed, MS well from the highly
compusiibIe character the buildings occupied,
as from that of others in the vicinity, calls loud
ly for prompt action,
Your attention is aeaiu earnestly invited to the
suggestions and recommendations submitted to
tue last session in respect to the District of Co
lumba.
nj. VAN BUREN,.
Washington, Dec 3, 1883.