Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1840-12-22

been exhausted, aid the Anticipated increase
in the revenue no, having been realized, ow-
ing TO the depression in the commercial bust
ness of the country, the finances of the depart
ment exhibi, small deficiency at the close Of
the last fiscal year. Its resources, however,
are ample. and the reduced rates of compen-
sation for the transportation service, which
may be expected on the future lettings, from
the general reduction of prices, with the in
crease of revenue that may reasonably be an
ticipated from the revival OF commercial actv-
ity, must soon place the finances OF the de-
partment in a prosperous condition.
Considering the unfavorable circumstances
which have existed the past year, it is
gratifying result that the revenue has not de-
clined, as compared with the preceding year,
but, on the contrary, exhibits a small increase;
the circumstances referred to having had no
other effect than TO check the expected in
come.
| 1t will be seen that the Postmaster General
suggests certain improvements in the estab-
lishment, designed to reduce the weight fthc
mails, cheaper the transportation, ensure great :
er regularity in the service, and secure a con-
siderable reduction in the rates of letter post
age-an object highly desirable. The sub
ject is one Of general interest to the commune
ty, 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 school,
ncr Grampus have been employed the last
season on the coast of Africa, for the
purpose of preventing such portions Of
that trade as was said to be prosecuted un-
der the American flag. After cruising off
those parts Of the coast usually resorted to by
savers, 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 mandng Off
GERS, it appears that the trade is now princi-
pally carried on under the Portuguese colors,
and they express the opinion that the appre-
henson of their presence on the slave coast
has, in great degree, arrested the prostitu-
ton of the American flag to this inhnman pur-
pose. 1t is hoped that, by continuing to main-
tain this force in that quarter, and by the en-
ertions of the officers in command, much will
be done to put stop to whatever portion of
this traffic may have been carried on under
the American flag, and to prevent its use in a
trade which, while it violates the laws, is equal
ly an outrage on the rights of others and the
feelings Of humanity.
The efforts Ofthe several Governments who
are anxiously seeking to suppress this traffic
must, however, be directed against the facii-
tiles afforded by what are now recognized as
legitimate commercial pursuits. before the OBJ
ject can be fully accomplished. Supplies of
provisions, water casks, merchandise, and arti-
cles connected with the prosecution of the
slave trade IRE, 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 interruption or punishment
by either of the nations to which they belong,
engaged in the commerce of that region. l
submit to your judgment whether this Gov
eminent, having been the first to prohibit, by
adequate penalties, the slave trade,-the first
to declare it piracy-should not be first, also,
to forbid to its citizens all trade with the slave
factories on the coast of Africa; giving an ex-
ample to all nations in this respect, which, if
fairly followed, cannot fail to produce the
most effective results in breaking up those
dens of iniqnity.
M VAN BUREN,.
WASHINGTON, Dec. s, 1910.