The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1840-12-23

anT materlat additional expenditures the
contractors have generally performed
their engagements With fidelity; the post
masters, with few exceptions, have len
dered their accounts and paid their quar-
tsrly balances with promptitude; and the
whole service of the department bias
maintained the efficiency for which II has
for several years been distinguished.
The acts Of Congress establishing new
mail routes, and requiring moro expensive
services on others, and the increasing
wants Of the country, have, for three
years past, carried the expenditures some
thing beyond the accruing revenues; the
.exeess having been met, until the past
year, by the surplus which had previously
accumulated. That surplus having been
exhausted, and the anticipated 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 small deficiency
at the close OF the last fiscal year. LIS
resources, however are ample; anu the
reduced rates of compensation for the
transportation service, which may be ex-
pected on the future lettings, from the
general reduction of prices; with the in
crease of revenue that may reasonably be
.nticipated from the revival of CONNER
cial ACTIVITY, must soon place the finances
Of the department in prosperous condi'
tim.
Considering the unfavorable circum-
stances which have existed during the
pes, year. i. is gratifying result that the
revenue has not declined, as compared
with the preceding year. but on the con-
trarv, exhibits small increase; the cir
cums,ances referred to having had no
other effect than to check the expected
income.
I, will be seen that the Postmaster
General suggests certain improvements
in the establishment, designed to reduce
the weight of the mails, cheaper the
transportation, ensure greater regularity
in the service, and secure a considerable
reduction in the rates Of letter-postage-
an object highly desirable. The subject
is one of general interes, to the commu'
nifty, and is respectfully recommended to
your consideration.
The suppression Of the African slave
trade has received The continued attention
of the Government The brig Dolphin
and schooner GramPus have been employ
ed during the late 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. At
ter cruising of those parts of the coas,
most usually resorted 10 by slavers, until
the commencement Of the rainy season,
these vessels returned to the United States
for supplies, and have since been des-
patched on 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 opinion that
the apprehension of their presence on the
slavo coast has. in great degree, arrest
ed the prostitution of the American flag,
TO the inhumane purpose. tits to be hop
cd that. by continuing to maintain this
force in that quarter. and by the cxertions
of the officers in command, much will be
done to put stop 10 whatever portion OF
this traffic may have been carried on un'
der the American flag, and to prevent its
use in trade which while it violates the
Jaws, is equally an outrage on the rights
of others aud ,hs feelings Of humanity
The efforts of the several governments
who are anxiously seeking to suppress
this triffic must, however, be directed
asains. the facilities afforded by what arc
now recognized as legitimate commercial
pursuits, before that object can be fully
accomplished. Supplies Of provisions
water casks, merchandise, and articles
connected with the prosecuting of the
slave trade, are, it is understood, freely
carried by vessels Of diferen. nations TO
the slave factories; and the effects Of the
factors are transported only from one slave
station to another, without interruption
or punishment by either of the nations TO
which they belong, engaged in the COM
meree OF that region. submit to your
judgements whether this Government,
having been the first 10 prohibit, by ade-
quate penalties, the slave trade-the first
to declare it piracy-should moi be the
first, also to forbid to its citizens all trade
with the slave factories on The coast Of
Africa; giving an example to all nations
in this respec. which if fairly followed,
cannot fail to produce the most effective
results in breaking up those dens Of ini-
ouity. M. VAN BUREN,.