The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1840-12-18

plus which had previously accumulated That sur
plus having been exhausted, and the anticipated
increase in the revenue not having been RELAXED,
owing to the depression in the commercial business
oil the country, the finances of the department eS-
hiblted small deficiency at the close of the last
fiscal year Its resources however, are ample;
and the reduced rates of compensation for the
transportation service, which may be expected on
the future lettings from the general reduction OF
prices, with the increase Ofrcvcnue that may reas-
onably be anticipated from the revival of CONNER
clal activity, must soon place the finances of the
department in prosperous condition.
Considering the nnfavorable circumstances which
have existed during the past year, it is gratifying
result that the revenue has moi declined, as compar-
ed with the preceding year but, on the contrary,
exhibits u small increase; the circumstances refer
red to having had no object than to check the c1-
pected income.
1t will be seen that the postmascrs general sug
sest certain Improvements in the establishments
designed to reduce the weight of the mails, chea-
pen the transportation. ensure greater regularity IN
Ibe service and secure a considerable reduction in
the rates of elter-postage-an object highly de-
sreble, The subject is one of general interests to
the community, and is respectfully recommended
TO your consideration.
The suppression of the African save-trade has
ItCcRcu tIle COHtHiUtU W lHc governments
The brig Dolphin and schooner Grampus have been
employed during the last on the coast of
Africa, for the purpose of preventing such portions
Of that trade as was said to be prosecuted under
the American flag. After cruising oil those parts
of tn. coast most useually resOrtcd to by slaves,
until the commencement of the rainy season, these
vessels returned to the United Sotcs for supplies,
aud have since been dispatched on IL similar service
From the reports of the commanding officers, it
appears that the trade Is now principally carried ON
under Portuguese colors ;and they express the Opin-
ion that the apprehension Of their presence on the
slave coast, has. IN a great degree, arrested the
prostitution of the American flag to this inhnnmn
purpose. 1t is hoped that, by continuing to main
tain this force in that quarter, and by the eNertons
Of the officers in command, much will be done TO
pu, stop to whatever portion of this traffic NAV
have been carried on under the American flag, and
to prevent its in trade which, while it violates
the laws, is equally an outrage on the gh,s of
others and the feelings of humanity. The efforts
Of the several governments who are anNiously see
king to suppress this traffic must however be dlrec
ted against the facilities afforded by what arc now
recognized as legitimate commercial pcrsus, be-
fore that object can be fully accomplished.
Supplies of provisions, water casks, merchandise,
and articles connected with the prosecution of the
trade are, it is understood, freely carried by
vessels of different nations to the slave factories and
the effects of the factors are transported openly
from one slave station to another without Interrupt
ton ar punishment by either of the nations to
which they belong, engaged in the commerce of
that region. submit to your judgement whether
this government, having been the first to prohibit,
by adequate penalties, to slave tradcthe first 10
declare it pracy-shoud not he the first, also, to
forbid to lis citizens all trade with the slave factor
les on the coast of Africa; given an example to all
nations in this respect, which, if Eirely followed,
cannot fail to produce the most effective results in
braking up those dens of ini1uity.
NJ VAN buren,.
Washingion, Dec. 5, 1910.