The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1840-12-19

whilh had previously accumulated That
surplus having benn exhausted, aud the an.
,lcipa!ed increase in the revenue not having
been realized, owing to the depression in
The commercial business Of the country, The
finances of the department exhibit a small
deficiency a, the close of the last fiscal year
lis resources, however, are ample; and the
reduced rates Of compensation for the
transportation service, which may be expec-
led on the future lettings, from the general
reduction of prices, with the increase ofrev-
Cnue that may reasonably be anticipated
from the revival of commercial activity must
soon place the finances of the department
in prosperous condition.
Considering the uuIavorabe circumstan-
ces which have existed during the past year
II is gratifying result that the revenue has
no, deciued, as compared with the preced-
ing year, but on the contrary, exhibits a
small increase; the circumstances referred
TO having no other effect than 10 check the
expected income.
II will be seen that the Postmaster G en-
eral suggests certain improvements in the
establishment, designed TO reduce the weight
Of the nails, cheaper the transportation, en-
sure greater regularity in the service, and
secure IA considerable reduction in the rates
Of letter postage, an object highly desirable.
The subject is one of general interest to
the community, and is respectfully recon.
mended to your consideration.
The suppression Of the African slave trade
has received the continued attention of the
Government. The brig Dolphin and schoo-
ner Grampus, have been employed during
the last season on the coast OF Africa, for the
purpose Of preventing such portions of that
trade as was said 10 be prosecuted under
the American flag. After cruising eff those
parts of the coast most usually resorted to
by savers, until the commencement Of the
rainy season, these vessels returned TO the
United States for supplies, and have since
been despatched on a similar service,
From the reports of the commanding off
GERS, it appears that the trade is now prin-
oipally carried on under Portuguese colorf;
and they express the opinion that the ap-
prehenson of their presence on the slave
ceast has. in great degree, arrested the
prostitution of the American flag 10 this in
human purpose. 1t is hoped that, by con-
tinuing to maintain this force in that quarter
ard by the exerioEs of the officers in COM
mand, much will be done 10 put a stop to
whatever portion Of this traffic may have
been carried on nnder the American FLAG, and
to prevent its use IN trade which, while it
violates the laws, is equally an outrage on
the rights of others and the feelings of hu.
TaniIv. The efforts Of the several govern.
ments who are anxiously seeking TO sup
press this traffic, must, however, be directed
against the facilities afforded by what are
now recognized as legitimate commercial
pursuits, before tina; object can be fully ac-
campshed. Supplies Of provisions, water
casks, merchandise, and articles connected
with the prosecution of the slave trade, are. |
1t is understood, freely carried by vessels
ot different nations 10 the slave factories;
and the effects Of the factors are transported
openly from one slave station TO another, |
without interruption or punishment by |
ether OF the nations to which thew belong, |
engaged in the commerce of that region. | !
submit to your judgments whether this 20 |
vernment, having been the first to prohibit,
ny adequate penalties, the slave trade-the
nrst TO declare it Piracy-should not he the
frsl' also, 10 forbid ts its citizens all trade
win the slave factories on the coast of AZ
rca; giving an example to all natieus in
,a!s respect, which,if fairly followed cannot
ia'I to produce the most effective results in
breaking up those dens of niquitv.
-, M. VAN BUREN,.
WASHINGTON, December 5. 1910.