The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-12-10

tnes from the general reduction Of prices, with the
Increase az revenue that may reasonably be ANTICIPATED
from the revival Of commercial activity, mus, SCOT.
place the finances Of the department. IN ptosper'
Gus condition.
Considering the unfavorable circumstances whlch
have existed during the past year, II Is gratifying
suit that the revenue has not declined as compared
with the preceding year but the contrary exhibits
a small increase; the circumstances referred to having
half no other effect than TO check the expected M
come
Il will be thai the Postmaster General suggests
certain improvements in the establishment designed
TO reduce the weight Of the mails cheaper the sus
pottaten greater regularity IN the service and
secure considerable reduction the rates OF letter
postage-an object highly desirable The subject
one OF general inteIesi 10 the community and res
pectfully recommended 10 your consideration
The suppression Of the A frican slaye-rale has re-
ccyed the continued attention Of the Government
The brig Dolphin and schooner Grampus haze been
employe during the last the of Africa
for the purpose OF preventing such portions of tia,
trade was said 10 be prosecuted under the American
flag. After cruising on those parts OF the
usually rcsoried 10 by slayers until the commence
OF the rainy season, these vessels returned to the
United States for supplies, and have since been de-
spached on similar service
From the reports OF the commanding officers il APP
pears that the trade is principally carried on
der Portuguese coors and they express the opinion
that the apprehension Of their presence the slave
has, in great degree, arrested the PROSTITUTION
oil the American nag 10 inns hnuul1h purpose IL -
hoped that by continuing maintain this force IN that
quarter and by the exertions of the officers N CON
mand much will be done TO put stop 10 whatever
portion Of this traffic may have been carried on under
the American flag, and TO prevent us use N trade
which, while il violates the laws is equally an on
rage on the rights of others and the feelings OF hu
manity The efforts Of the several Governments who
are anxousy seeking TO suppress this traffic must,
however be directed against the facilities afforded by
what recognized as legitimate commercial puI-
o,1,fa baf,ra Int obi hg n
Supplies of provisions watercasks merchandise and
articles connected with the prosecution of the slave
trade are is understood freely carried by vessels OF
different nations TO the slave factories and the effects
of the factors transported only from slave sta
ton another without interruption punishment By
either of the naons to which they belong, engaged
in the commerce of that region | submit TO your
judgments whether this Government, having been the
first prohibit, by adequate penalties, the slaveGe
The first to declare it piracy should not be The trst
also, to forbid TO its citizens all trade with The
factories the coast of Africa giving erlmpleto
all nations in this respect which, if fairly tollowei
cannot fail TO produce the most effective results IN
breaking up those dens Of iniqnty
NJ. VAN buren,
WAsHIsdToS, December 8 1910