Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1840-01-14

w I'm the Legislature rest the power and |
duty Of so adjusting the public expenditure
as to promote this end. BY the provisions
of the Constitution, it is only in conse.
quence Of appropriations made by law, that
money can be drawn from the Treasury:
no instance has occurred since the estab-
lishn ent Of the Government in which the
Executive, though competent part Of the
Legislative power, has interposed an OBJ
lection to an appropriation bin. on the
sole ground Of its extravaganza. His
duty in this respect mas been consider
ed fulfilled by requesting such appropri-
atiens only as the public service may
be reasonably expected to require. In
the present earnest direction of the pub
lie mind towards this subject, both the
Executive and the Legislature have ev-
idence of the strict responsibility TO which
they viii be held; and while | am con-
scious of my own anxious efforts to per-
form with fidelity this portion of my
public functions, it is satisfaction to me 10
be able to count on cordial cooperation
from you.
At the time | entered upon my present
duties. our ordinary disbursements
out including those on account ofthe pub.
lie debt, in the post Office, and the trust
funds in charge of the Government--had
been largely increased by appropriations
for the removal Of the Indians, for repelling
Indian hostiIities and for other less urgent
expenses which grew out of an overflow
ing Treasury, Independent of the redemp-
ton of the public debt and trusts, the gross
expenditures of seventeen and eighteen
millions in 1894 and 1885, had, by these
causes, swelled to twenty nine millions in
1886, and the appropriations for 1887,
made previous to the fourth of March,
caused the expenditure to rise to the very
large amount Of thirty three millions. We
were enabled during the year '3s, not
withstanding the continuance ofour Indian
embarrassments, somewhat to reduce this
amount; and that for the present year, 80
will not in all probability, exceed twenty
six miIlions-or six millions less than it
was last year. With a determination so
far as depends on me to continue this re-
duction, | have directed the estimates for
1910 to be subjected to the severest scru-
tiny, to be limited to the absolute require
ments of the public service. They will be
found less than the expenditures of 1886,
by over five millions of dollars.
The precautionary measures which will
be recommended by the Secretary of the
Treasury, to protect faithfully the public
credit under the fluctuations and contin-
gencies to which our receipts and expen-
ditures are exposed, aud especially in a
commercial crisis like the present, are
commended TO your early attention.
On forR1er occasion your attention
was invited TO various considerations in
part Of a pre- emption law in behalf of the
settlers on the public lands; and also of a
law graduating the prices for such lands as
had long been in the market unsold, II
consequence of their inferior quality. The
execution of the act which was passed or
the first subject has been attended with nc
happiest consequences, in quoting titles
and securing improvements to the indus,
trious; and it has also, to very gratifying
extent, been exempt from the frauds which
were practised underprevious pre-emptior
laws. 1t has, at the same time, as wa:
anticipated, contributed literally during
the present year TO the receipts Of the
Treasury.
The passage of graduation law, with
the guards before recommended, would
also, am persuaded, add considerably to
the revenue for several years, and prove
in other respects just and beneficial.
Your early consideration of the subject
is, once more earnestly requested.
The present condition of the defences Of
our principal seaports and navy yards, a.
represented by the accompanying report;
of the Secretary of War, calls for the
early and serious attention of Congress
and, as connecting itself intimately witt
this subject, cannot recommend tot
strongly to your consideration the plal
submitted by that officer for the organi
cation Of the militia of the United States
In conformity with the expressed ,wishe
| of Congress, ain attempt was made in thl
spring to terminate the Florida war by ne
gotiation. 1t is to be regretted that thest
humane intentions should have been frus
trated, and that the effort to bring these
unhappy difficulties to a satisfactory con
clusion should have failed. But, after en-
tering into solemn engagements with til,
Commanding General, the Indians, withou
any provocation, RECOMMENDED their acts o
treachery aud murder. The renewal o
hoslilities in that Territory renders it ne
cessary that / should recommend to you
favorable consideration the plan which
will be submitted TO you by the Secretar,
of Var, in order to enable that department
to conduct them to successful issue.
Having had an opportunity of person
ally inspecting portion of the troops dur
ing the last summer, it gives me pleasure
to bear testimony to the success of the eff
fort 10 improve their discipline, by keeping
them together in as large bodies as tn
nature of our service viii permit. Irec
ommend, therefore, that commodious AM
| permanent barracks be constructed at tn
several posts designated by the Secretar,
of war. Notwithstanding the high state &
their discipline and excellent police, tn
| evils resulting to the service from thei
deficiency of company officers, were yer,
apparent, and recommend that the stai
officers be permanently separated from th
| line.
The navy has been usefully and honor
| ably employed il protecting the rights an
property Of our citizens. wherever the cor
| dltion Of affairs seemed to require its pre-
sence. With the exception Of one instanc