Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1841-01-02

The exploring expedition, at the latest date,
was preparing to leave the Bay of Islands, New
Zealand in further prosecution OF objects which
have thus far, been successfully accomplished.
The discovery Of new continent, which was
first seen in latitude Go deg. min. south, longi.
tude 1853 deg 40 min. east, by Lieutenant
Wilkes and Hudson, for an extent of eighteen
hundred miles, but on which they were prevented
from landing by vast bodies of ice which encom.
passed it, is one Of the honorable results of the
enterprise Lieutenant Wilkes bears testimony
TO the zeal and good conduct of his officers and
men; and it is but Justice to that officer TO state
that he appears to have performed the duties as
signed him with an ardor, ability, and persever-
ance, which give every assurance Of an honora
bic issue to the undertaking.
The report Of the Postmaster General, here
with transmitted will exhibit the service Of that
department the past year, and its present condi-
ton. The transportation has been maintained
during the year to the full extent authorized by
the existing laws; some Improvements have been
effected, which the public interest seemed urgent
| ly to demand, but not involving any material
additional expenditure; the contractors have gen.
orally performed their engagements with fidelity;
the postmasters, with few exceptions, have rem
dered their accounts and paid their quarterly bal.
ances with prompitude; and the whole service of
the department has maintained the efficiency for
which it has for several years been distinguished,
The acts Of Congress establishing new mail
routes, and requiring more expensive services on
others, and the increasing wants of the country,
have for three years past, carried the expendi.
lures something beyond the accruing revenues;
the excess having been met, until the last year.
by the surplus which had previously accumulated
That SUR plus having been exhausted and the
anticipated increase in the revenue not having
been realized owing to the depression in the
commercial business Of the country, the Gnan
ces Of the department exhibit small deficiency
at the close OF the fiscal year. Its resources
however, are ample; and the reduced rates o.
compensation for the transportation service,
which may lie expected on the future lettings
from the general reduction Of prices, with the
increase of revenue that may reasonably be an
ticipated from the revival Of commercial activity
must soon place the finances of the department
in prosperous condition.
Considering the unGvorabe circumstances
which have existed during the past year, it is
gratifying result that the revenue has not de
cIined, as compared with the preceding year
but, on the contrary, exhibits a small ncteas e
, the circumstances referred to having had no otbe
effect than 10 check the expected income.
Il 1t will be seen that the Postmaster General
4, suggests certain improvements in the establish
ment, designed TO reduce the weight Of the mails
cheaper the transportation, insure greater regu
larty in the SERVICE and secure considerable
reduction in the rates Of letter postage-an OBJ
ject highly desirable The subject is one Of gen
cral interest to the community and is respectful,
recommended to your consideration.
The suppression Of the African slave-trade ha
Fl received the continued attention of the Govern
ment. The brig Dol hin and schooner Grampu
have been employed during the last season OIL
the coast Of Africa, for the purpose Of prevent
ing such portions Of that trade as was said t
be prosecuted under the American flag After
cruising off those parts Of the coast most usually
resorted to by slavers, until the commencement
Of the rainy season, these vessels returned 10 tht
United States for supplies, and have since beer
despatched on a similar service.
From the reports Of the commanding officers,
it appears that the trade is now principally car.
rjed on under Portuguese colors; and they ex
press the opinion that the apprehension Of thei
presence on the slave coast has, in q great de
gree, arrested the prostitution Of the American
flag, to this inhuman purpose. 1t is hoped that
by continuing TO maintain this force in that quar-
lGT, anu ny Tue GAGTtlODS OF the OlHCeIS IN com
mand, much will be done to put a stop tc
whatever portion Of this traffic may have beer
carried on under the American flag aad to pre-
vent its use in a trade which, while it violate
the laws, is equally an outrage on the rights o
others and the feelings Of humanity. The effort
Of the several Governments who are anxiousl,
seeking to suppress this traffic must however
be directed against the facilities afforded by wha
are now recognized as legitimate commercial pur
suits, before that object can be fully accom-
plished. Supplies of provisions, water casks
merchandise and articles connected with the
prosecution o. the slave trade, are, it is under
stood, freely carried by vessels of different ma
tons to the slave factories; and the effects of tn
factors are transported only from one slave sta
ton to another without interruption or punish
ment by either Of the nations to which they be
long, engaged in the commerce Of that region
submit to your judgments whether this Govern
ment, having been the first to prohibit, by ade
quate penalties, the slave. trade-the first to de
clare its piracy should not be the first, also, t.
forbid to its citizens all trade with the slave fac
tories on the coast Of Africa; giving an exampl
TO all nations in this respect, which, if fairly fol
lowed, cannot fail to produce the most elfectiv
results in breaking up those dens Of nquty.
M. VAN buren,.
! WAsHINGToN, December 5, 1910.
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