Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1841-12-16

ny control over the public moneys, othef
han what is indespensably necessary to
.xecute the laws which you may pass.
Nor can | fail to advert, in this connex-
on, to the debts which many OF the states
If the Union have contracted abroad, ano
under which they continue 10 labor' Ina
Indebtedness amounts TO a sum not Tess
han $500, 600, 600, and which has been
retributed to them for the most part, 10
of internal improvement, which are
destined 10 prove Of vast importance in
ultimately advancing their prosperity and
wealth. For the debts thus contracted,
the States are alone responsible. can
do no more than express the belief that
each State will feel itself bound, by every
consideration Of honor as well as Of lnie-
rest, to meet its engagements with punc-
tuality. The failure, however, OF any one
State to do 50 should in no degree affect
the credit OF the rest ; and the foreign cap
italist will have no just cause to expe-
rience alarm rs 10 all other State stocks
because any one or more OF the States
may neglect to provide with punctuaiity
the means Of redeeming their engage
ments. Even such States, should mere
be any, considering the great 'apidity
with which their resources are developing
themselves, will not fail TO have the means,
at no very distant day, to redeem their
obligations TO the uttermost iarthinB nor
will doubt but that, in view OF that hon-
ofable conduct which has evermore gov
erned the States and the People oil tins
Union. they will each and all resort to
every legitimate expedient before they
will forego a faithful compliance with their
obligations. :
From the report of the Secretary OF
War, and other reports accompanying II,
you will be informed Of the progress NC
has been made in he fortitications DE.
signed for the protection Of our principal
cities, roadsteads, and inland frontier,
during the present year, together win
their true state and condition. They VIII
be prosecuted to completion with all the
exped ton which the means placed by
Congress at the disposal of the Executive
will allow.
recommend particularly to your cop-
sideration, that portion Of the Secretary's
which proposes the establishment
of a chain OF military posts from Council
Bluffs to some point on the Pacific ocean
our limits. The benefit thereby
destined to accrue TO citizens engaged
in the fur.trude over that wilderness re-
gion, added TO the importance Of cultlvat-
ing friendly relations with savage tribes
mia biting il, and at the same time OF CIV
.ng protection to our frontier settlements,
and of establishing the means of safe IN
..ercourse between the American settle
neEts at the mouth OF the Columbia river
md those on this side OF the Rocky Noun.
aims, would seem to suggest the impor.
ance of carrying into effect the recon-
upon this head with as little
lelay as may be practicable.
The report Of the Secretary Of the Ma
" will place you in possession Of the
present condition Of that important arm oil
he national defence. Every effort will
,e made to add TO its efficiency 4; and
ammo, too strongly urge upon you liberal
appropriations to that branch Of the pubic
ervice. Inducements of the weightlest
exist for the adoption oil his
course of policy. Our extended and other
wise exposed maritime frontier calls Tor
protection, to the furnishing of which an
.ficien, naval force is indispensable. We
ook to no foreign c%onquests, nor do we
propose to enter into competition with any
,ther nation for supremacy on the ocean ;
,ut It is duo not only TO the honor, but to
he security Of the People of the United
tina, no nation should be permitted
O invade our waters at pleasure, ahd sub
ect our towns and villages TO contiagra-
ion or mllage. Economy in all branches
the public service is due from all the
public agents to the People; but parsImo-
~ alone would suggest the Withholding
If the necessary means for the protection
IF our domestic firesides from invasion,
md our national honor from disgrace.
would most earnestly recommend to
Congress TO abstain from all appropria-
IONS for objects not absolutely necessary;
,ut | take upon myself. without a moment
If hesitancy, all the responsibility OF re.
commenting the increase and prompt
Equipment Of that gellap; navy which has
lighted up every sea with its victories,
md spread an imperishable glory over the
The report Of the Postmaster General
will claim your particular attention, not
'nly because OF the valuable suggestions
which it contains, but because Of the great
Importance which at all times attaches to
hat interesting branch ofthe public service.
The increased expense of transporting the
nail along the principal routes necessarily
claims the public attention, and has awak-
med a corresponding solicitude on the
of the Government. The transmits
ion Of the mail must keep pace with those
ABILITIES Of inteIcommunication which are
very day becoming greater through the
,uiId ng Of railroads and the application
# steam power but il cannot be disguised
hat, in order to do so, the Post Office De-
'artment is subjected to heavy exactions.
lines Of communication betweeu dis
ant parts Of the Union are, to a grea< ex
ent, occupied by railroads, which, in the
nature of things, possess a complete mo.
and the Department is therefore
liable to heavy and unreasonable charges.
This evil is destined to great increase in
uture, and soma timely measure may be.
necessary 10 guard against it.
| feel it my duty to bring under your