Lexington union. (Lexington, Miss.) 1838-18??, 1839-01-05

Information OF government extends, not q
single Outrage has been attempted on
vessel carrying the flag Of the United
States, within the present 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 safe
arrival at the island of Madeira. The
best spirit anima,es the nArers and crew.,
and there is every reason TO anticipate,
from its efforts, results beneficial to com.
nerce and honorable TO tie nation.
1t will also be seen that no reduction
OF the force now in commission is contem-
plated. The unsettled state of portion
OF South America renders it indispensable
that our commerce should receive pro.ec-
non In that quarter, the vast and increas-
ing interests embarked in the trade of the
Indian and China seas, in The whale fish
cries of tie Pacific ocean. and in the Gulf
OF Mexico, require eqnal attention to their
safety; and small squadron may be en-
ploycd.to great advantage on our Atlantic
coast, in meeting sudden demands for the
reinforcement of other stations, in aiding
merchant vessels in distress, in aflording
active service to an additional number of
officers, and in visiting the different ports
of the United Stiles, an accurate know
ledge of which is obviously Of the highest
importance.
The attention of Congress is respect
fully called 10 that portion of the report
recommending an increase in the number
of small vessels, and to other suggestions
CT n'aned III that document. The rapid
increase and wide expansion of our com
merce, which is every day seeking new
avenues Of profitable adventure; the abso-
lutte necessity Of naval force for its pro-
lection precisely in the degree Of its ex-
tension; due regard to the national rights
and honor; The recolections of ITS former
exploits, and the anlicipalions of its future
) trlumphs whenever opportunity presents
itself, which We may rightfully indulge
hom the experience of the past; all seem
TO point TO the navy as most efficient
arm OF our national defence, and proper
object Of legislative encoul agemeDt.
| nv pioRASoS uLd COHuitlCU vi VIC OSL
Office Department will he seen by refer
ence to the report of the Postmaster Gen
eral. The extent of post roads, covered
by mail contracts, is stated to he 1858
miles, and the annual transportation upon
them 34,5e0, 1852 miles. The number of
post Offices in the United States is 1854,
and rapidly increasing. The gross reve-
nue. for the year ending on the 30h day Of
June last, was 4,2G2, l45 GO. The ac
cruiug expenditures, S4,Gs0,OGS; excess
of expenditures, $4l7,923 90. THIS has
been made up out of the surplus previously
on hand. The cash on hand on the LIST
inst was $3l4,OGS co. The revenue for
the year ending june 80, 1888, was
$l6l $40 more than that Of the year end
ing June 30, 1887. The expenditures of
} the department had been graduated upon
the anticipation of lar4 ely increased
} revenue. A moderate curtailment Of mail
service consequently became necessary,
t.. and has been effected, to shield the depart
; ment against the danger Of embarrassment.
lis revenueis now improving, and il will
} soon resume its onward course in the
march of improvement.
Your particular attention is requested
Q to SO much of the Postmaster Generals
= report as relates to the transportation of
5 Tie mails upon railroads. The laws Oh
) that subject do not seem adequate to Sc
cue that service, now become almost es-
! seniial to the public interests, and at the
e same time protect the department from
d combinations and unreasonable demands.
ri Nor can too earnestly request your at
!, tenton to the necessity of providing a
d more secure building for this department.
B. The danger of destruction 10 whlch its
Q important books and papers are continually
5 exposed, as well from the highly combus-
!, tit.e character of the building occupied,
d as from that Of others in the vicinity, calls
e loudly for protection.
), Your attention is again earnestly in
y viled TO the suggestions and recommended
n tioas submitted to the last session in ie-
spect TO The District Of Columbia.
S ! feel il my duty, also, TO bring TO your
S notice certain proceedings at law, which
: have recently been prosecuted In this
d District, in tie name of the Uniled States,
II on the relation of Messrs. Stockton o.
e Stokes, of the Stale Of Maryland, against
. the Postmaster General, and which have
d resulted in the payment Of money out Of
d the national treasury, for tho first time
nj since the establishment Of the govern
N ment, by judicial colnpulsion, exercised
c. by the common law writ of mandamus
il issued by the circuit court of this District
The facts Of the case, and the grounds O
'e the proceedings, viii be found fully stated
ar in the report Of the decision; and any aid
al dtional information which you may desire
L L Al. 1 :.