The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1840-12-24


ever are ample; and the reduced rates of
compensation for tho transportation ser
vice, which May be expected on the future
lettings, from the general reduction OF pri-
cs,. With the increase Of revenue that mag
reasonably be anticipated from the revival
of commercial activity, must place the
finances Of the department. ~ prosperous
condition.
Considering the uniavorable cifcumstan-
ces which have existed during the past
year, it is a gratifying result that the reye-
nue. has not declined, as compared with
the preceding year, but, III the contrary,
exhibits a small increase; the clTcumstan.
ccs referred 10 having had no other effect
than to check the expected income.
Il will be seen that the Postmaster Gen
cral suggests certain improvements IN the
establishment, designed TO reduce the
weight of the mails, cheaper iransporta-
ton, ensure greater regularity IN the ser
vice, and secure a considerable reduction
in the rates OF letter postngc-an object
hichly desirable. The subject is one Of
general interest to TIE community, aac IS
respectfully recommended to your consid-
Grafton.
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 tho last scosoo on the coast OF
Africa, for the pnrpose Of prcSelI!ng such
portions of that trade as was Eaid TO be
prosecuted onder toe American flag. AZ
ter cruising Of those parts Of the coast
most usually re,nr.ed to Gy slayers, until
the commenconeD; Of 10 rainy season,
these vessels returned 10 thc United Siates
for supplies, ned bare since been despatch
ed on similar service.
From the reports o! .te commanding o.
iicers, !, appears that The lyaee IS now pm
cipalIy carried on under Portuguese co!ors
aud they express, the opinion tha; the aP-
prehepS.on Of their presence on the slave
coast has, IN great degree, arrested the
prostitution Of tie American flag to this IL
human purpose. Il IS hoped that, by con.
tauing 10 maintain tHis force N tAatqlar-
/ ter, and By the exertlous ot the officers 10
command, much viii 10 done 10 pa; step
to whatever porloa OF this traffic may
have been carried Gu under the American
flag, and 10 prevent It's use 10 trade which,
while It violates tao laws, Is equally 90
outrage on the rights Of others and the
feelings Of humanity. The efforts Of the
several Governments who ere sn1lously
seeking 10 suppress tbs traffic must, bow
ever be directed agalns. tie facilities alor-
ded By What are now recognised as lesl.l.
mate commercial pursuits, before tia, OBJ.
j.ct can be fully accomplish. Supplies Of
provisions, waler-cakes, merchandise. aud
articles connected with tue prosecution OF
tbe slave-,rs6e, are, Il is understood, freely
carried BY vessels Of dlaereoi nations to
the slave factories; aud the effects or the
factors are transported openly from one
slave station To another, without Interrupt
ton or punishment BY either Of the nations
to which they seloag, engaged IN tho con.
mercs Of that region. ! submit 10 your
Judgments whether tais Government, hav.
ing been tho frs! 10 prohibit, BY adequate
yeualtles, the slage-tIase--,he first 10 de.
el.rc ii pirscy-shood not be the first,
also, to forbid 70 its cii.zaas all trade vill.
+ the slaye factories on Tie coast Of Africa
giving an example to all uaious % ibis
respect, which, If tcariy followed, caunot
fail to produce the most cgestve results
IN breaking up those deus Of niquty.
~ VAN BURES.
WAnIyGTsa, Deecultr 8, 1870