The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1840-01-04


barracks be constructed at the several posts
designated by the Secretary of Wat. Not
wiihstanding the state of their discipline
and excellent police, the evils resulting to
the service from the deficiency Of company
officers, were verv apparent, and | recon-
mend that the staff officers be permanently
separated from the line.
The navy has been usefully and honora-
bly, employed in protecting the rights and
property Of our citizens, wherever the con-
diiion Of Affairs seemed TO require It's pres
ence. With the exception of one instance,
where an outrage, accompanied by mudcr,
was committed on u vessel Of the United
States while engaged in lawful commerce,
nothing is known TO have occurred TO inn
pede or modest the enterprise of our citi-
zens on that element where it is so signaly
displayed. On learning this daring act of
piracy, Commodore Reed proceeded imme-
dateIy TO the spot, and receiving no satis-
faction, eiper in The surrender of the mur-
derers, or The restoration Of the plundered
property, inflicted severe and meriIed chas-
iisement on the barbalians.
Il will be seen by the report Of the Sec
retary of the Navy, respecting the DISPOSE
iion Of our ships Of war; that it has been
deemed necessary to station competent
force or the coast OF Africa, TO prevent
fraudulent use of our flag by foreigners.
Recent experience has shown that the
provisions in our existing laws which re-
late 10 the sale and transfer Of American ves-
sells, while abroad, are extremely defective,
Advantage has been taken Of these defects,
to give 10 vessels wholly belonging TO fo-
reigners, aud navigating the ocean an appa-
rent American ownership. This character
has been so well simulated as to afford them
apparent seculiiy in prosecuting the slave
trade, traffic cmphaticaliy denounced in
Our statutes, regarded with adherence by
our citizens, and Of which the cilectual sup
preston is no where more sincerely desired
than in the United States. These circum-
stances make It proper 10 recommend TO
your early attention careful revision OF
these laws so that without impeding the
freedom and facilities of our navigation, or
imrairng an important branch Of our indus
try connected with it, the integrity and hon
OF Of our flag may be carefully preserved.
Information derived lrom our Consul at Ha-
Tana, showing the necessity of this, was
communicated TO Committee of the SEN
ate, near the close Of last session, but too
late, as it appeared, 10 be acted upon. Ii
will be brought 10 your notice by the prop
er department, with additional communica-
tions from other sources
The latest accounts from the Exploring
Expedition represent it as proceeding sue
cessiully in the objects, and promising re-
suits no less useful TO trade and navigation
than 10 science.
The extent Of post roads covered by mai
service on the Is, of July last, WAS abou
800 miles, and the rate of annual uans
poriaion upon them 34,466,87S miles,
The numberof post Offices on that day wal
1879, and on the 9th uilimo l3,O2S.
The revenue of The post Office depart
gnent, fsg the year ending with the 3Olh o
June last, was four millions four hundred
and seveuty-siX thousand six hundred au
thirly-eight dollars, exhibiting an increas
over the proceeding year of two hundre
and foriy-one thousand five hundred an
sixty dollars. The engagements and Ii;
biliues Of the department for the same pt
riod, are four millions six hundred and twer
ty-lour thousand one hundred and seyeulee
dollars.
The excess of liabilities over the revenu
for the last two years has been met out
the surplus which had previously accum
lated. The cash on hand. on the 3Oth ult
was about S293,70l %, and the current i
come of the department varies very lit,
iron the rate Of current expenditures. =
Most Of the mail service suspended last We
has been restored, and most of the ne
routes established by the ac, Of July, lS2
have gone into operation at an annual cr
Of not less than $l36, 063 Nolwilhslar
ing the pecuniary difficulties of the co,
try, the revenue Of the department appe;
10 be increasing; and unless il shall be $
EiGusy checked By the recent suspension
payment by so many banks, il viii be a
not only 10 mainain the present mail s
vice, but in a short time TO extend it.
is gratifying to witness the promptilude a
fidelity with which the agents OF The
parumenl in general perform their public
ties.
Some difficulties have arisen in relat
TO contracts for The transportation Of
mails by rail-rnad and Steamboat comnaui