Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1840-12-21

preparing to leave The Bay Of Islands, New ZeO- +
and, in further prosecution of objects which have,
'fus far, been successfully accomplished. The
discovery OF anew continent, which was first seen |
III latitude 66 south, longitude Is "a east, and
afterwards in latitude 66 81 south, longitude l03
AZ east, by Lieutenant Wilkes aud Hudson, for an
extent of eighteen hundred miles, but on which |
they were prevented from landing by vast bodies
OF ice which encompassed ii, is one OF the most
honorable results ofthe enterprise. Lieutenant
w likes bears testimony to the zeal and good con-
duct of his officers and meu and it is but justice
to that officer to state that he appears to have per-
formed the duties assigned lin with an ardor,
ability, and perseverance, which give every ASST
rance oil an honorable issue 10 the undertaking.
The report OF the post master general herewith
transmitted, will exhibit the service of that depart
men the last year, and its present condition. The
transportation has been maintained during the year
10 the lull extent authorized by the existing laws
some improvements have been effected, which
the public interest seems urgently to demand but
not involving any material additional expenditures;
the contractors have generally performed their en-
gagchehts with fidelity the post masters win
lew exceptions, have rendered their accounts and
paid their quarterly balances with promptltude
aud the whole service of the department has main
tanned The efficiency for which it has for several
years been distinguished.
The acts OF Congress establishing new mail
routes and requiring more expensive services ON
others, and The increasing wants OF tile country,
have, for three years past carried the expenditures
something beyond the accrung revenues; the cX-
cess having been met, until the past year, by the
surplus which had previously accumulated. That
surplus having been exhausted, and The anticipa-
ted increase in tho revenue not having been real ;
ized, owlngt to the depression in the commercial
business OF the country, the finances of the depart
melts exhibit small deficiency at the close OF the
last fiscal year. It's resources, however, are anu
pie; and the reduced rates of compensation for
the transportation service, which may be eXpec-
ted on the future lettings, from the general reduc-
ton of prices, with the increase of revenue that
may reasonably be anticipated from the revival OF
commercial activity, must soon place the finances
OF the department in n prosperous condition.
Concerning the unfavorable circumstances
which have existed during the past year. it is a
gratifying result that the revenue has not declined
as compared wihihe preceding year, but on the
contrary exhibits small increase the crcum-
stances referred to having had other effect than
to check the expected income.
1t will be seen that the postmaster general sug
gested certain Improvements in the establishment
designed to reduce the weight of the malls, chea-
pen the transportation, ensure greater regularity
in the service, and secure considerable reduc-
ton in the rates of letter postage-an object high
ly desirable. The subject is one of general inter-
est to the community, and is respectfully recon-
mended to your consideration.
@"nnression OF the African slave-uade has
red attention of the govern.
tttH. ""hooner Grampus