The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1841-06-29
REPORT OF DEPARTMENTS.


REPORT OF DEPARTM ENTs.
! We give the following brief summary Of the
reports from the War, Navy and o. Department ts
from the N. Fl, Statesmani
! WAR REPORT Mr.. Bell, Secretary of War, SAYS
there has been no material change in the general
condition and disposition of the army since the last
annual report The Florida war is reviewed briefly
and the number of indians who have surrendered
themselves, and have been departed TO the West,
under the late negotiations, Is Adj, including 100
warriors The Secretary feas that the complete
removal will not be effected without further sac
rifces, as the most powerful chief has not been
reached, nor any of his followers. Orders have
been issued for the prosecution of vigorous meas
ures, as soon negotiations shall prove useless
The sum required to place the Notifications of
the country in what is denominated good state
of defence, rs $I2 176 547-9 6o3, SAY will be re-
CURED for fertilization and the rest for armament
ST. ,435,50 may he iudiciously expended during
the present year, in addition to appropriations a>
ready outstanding. The argument that improve
ments in the art of war will render the present
plans of defence Imperative, is answered by rea.
soning that we should not neglect present means,
in view of future contingencies. The works of
Staten Island, surrendered to the General Govern
ment by the state ofNew York, are in progress of
active repair, and the promptness with which they
were given up to the government is spoken of as
deserving the thanks of the country, and an imme>
diae appropriation to perfect them.
The change in the policy of managing the armo-
lries-placing them under military instead of civil
direction, works well; but time has not yet elapsed
sufficient to test its advantages.
Additional appropriations to the amount of 1895,
are FIR nd NIo,.
departments. 800 1897, is also required to pay
laborers on suspended public works, the expenses
of which have exceeded the estimates, an ex-
cess for which the operatives are not RESPONSE
BILE
Great frauds have been discov cred among the in
dian agents, and contractors for removal at the
Southwest; but the investigation is yet unfinished,
and the precise amount ofrosponsbiiity among the
officers not yet ascertained.
Posr OFFICE REPORT. According TO Mr.. Gran
gers Report, tho estimated deficit of the depart
ment for old debts is over halfa million. Tho as
certained deficiency is 447,049. 1t remains for
Congress to determine whether this shall be re-
moved, or whether the department shall struggle
on, devoiing its receipts to the paruai payment of
old debts.
The receipts for the quarter ending March 3lst,
present decrease of almost six per cent. In Dos
ton alone the decrease in postage receipts for the
quarter ending 3Ist March last was 81, 1875.
Railroad Companies in some instances charge
two hundred per cent higher than is charged for
coach service. This has imposed upon the Post
masters the necessity of suspendng their ICON
tracts
The dsconnuance of one mail on many routes,
the Sunday mall adopted by the la:e Postmaster
for the purposes of economy, has been continued
by the present for the rcason-to aid in
bringing the EXPENSE of The service within its
rece pts. -s....
The new building for the General Post Of
flee will DO complete before the general ses-
sion.
NAVY REPoRr. The Secretary Of the Navy,
Mr.. Badger, says the appropriations made by the
last Congress will be found amply sufficient to COW
the expenditures for the current year, under the
several heads of appropriation, unless it should
become necessary or be deemed proper TO assume
another and larger basis of operations than that
which the estimates from the Department were
founded.
The Navy Pension Fund requires an immediate
appropriation Of $I35 ,666.
The establishment of home squadron is strong
Iy urged, and the provision of suitable supply of
arms and mum itons of war
The Secretary concurs in the general opinion
that organization of the Navy is necessary,
but deers the particulars of the plan he intends TO
present until the next regular session. f ~
TIE END OF ATRANSGRESSOR
Early in the morning of the 18th inst, there
appeared at East Berkshire, man with sandy
mplexion--about five feet, eleven inches in