, 1841-06-19

SAS W l. iaoS ehA tHS ilJ
other matters Of interest therein referred 10.
you will learn from it that the Secretary has
instituted an inquiry into abuses, which pro-
misses to develop gross enormitieS in connec-
ton with Indian treaties which have been
negotiated, as well as in the expenditures for
the removal and subsistence of the Indians.
He represents also other irregularities of a
serious nature that have grown up in the
practice OF the Indian Department, which
will require the appropriation of upwards Of
5000 900 to correct, and which claim the i'm
mediate attention Of Congress.
In rejecting on tho proper means of de-
Tending the country, we cannot shut our ewes
to the consequences, which the introduction
and use of the power of steam upon the
ocean are likely TO producc in wars between
amratime States. We cannot vet see the
extent TO which this power may be applied
In beilIgerent operations, connecting itself
as 1t does with present Improvements in the
science of gunnery and projectiles: but we
need have no fear Of being left, in regard 10
these things, behind the mostactivc and skill
ful OF other nations, If the genius and ELI
terprlSe OF chr fellow citizens receive prop
er encouragement and direction from Govern
ment.
Trle wisdom would, nevertheless. seem
to dictate the necessity of placing in perfect
condition those notifications which are de-
signed for the protection of our principal
cities and roadsteads. For the defence of
our extensive maritime coast, orr chief re-
lance should be placed on our Navy. aided
by those inventions which are destined 10 re-
commend themselves TO public adoption
hns ~ g, ,,,a .I>,lI l. -. a., .I. -
principal cities on the seabOard. and the Id
kes, IN Il state Of entire security from foreign
assault. Separated as we are from the coun-
tries of the old World. and in much u~natiect-
ed by their policy, we are happily relieved
from the necessity of maintaining large stand
ing armies in time OF peace. The policy
which was adopted by Mr.. Monroe. shortly
after the conclusion of the late War with
Great Britain, of preserving irregular organ
lied staff, sufficient for the command ola large
military force. should the necessity of one
arise, is founded as well in economy as in
wisdom. Provision is thus made, upon fill
ing up the rank and file, which can readily
be done Oh any emergency for the introduce
ton of asystem of discipline, both promptly
and efficiently. All that is required in time
OF peace, is 10 maintain ] sufficient number
OF men 10 guard our Notifications, 10 meet
any sudden contingency, and to encounter
the fIrSt shock of war. Oar chief reliance
must be placed on the militia; they consti-
tute the great body of national guards. and.
inspired by an ardentIove Of country, will be
ready at all times, and at all seasons, to re-
pair with alacrIty to its defence. II will be
regarded by Congress, Idoubt not. at a suita-
bic time, as one of lis highest duties TO attend
to their complete organization and discipline.
The state OF the Navy pension found re-
qulres the immediate attention of Congress.
BY the operation of the act of the Sd of
March. 1887. entitled ian &c, Cor the more
equitable administration Of the Navy Pen
sion fund"-tIati fund has been exhausted.-
II will be seen, from the accompanying re-
port Of the COMMISSIONS of Pensions, that
there will be required, for the payment Of
Navy pensions, on the first of July next,
SS4,oo6 06 1-3. and on the first of January,
184s, the sum of 100000. In addition TO
paw arrears of pensions which will probably
be aliowdd between the first of July and the
first OF January, ~1G42making in the whole
S15O,O00G Sc Is. To meet these payments.
there is, within the control of the Depart
ment, the sum of S28,0 4O. leaving n d~efcien-
cy of S12l.966O Of l-3. The public filth re-
quires that immediate provision should be
made for the payment of these sums.
In order TO Introduce into the Navy a
desirable efficiency, new system of &C
countability may be found to be indispcnsa-
bly, necessary. To mature 4 plan having for
its object the accomplishment of an end So
important, and TO meet the just expectation
Of the country, require more time than has
been allowed TO the Secretary at the head
of that department. The hope is INDUCED
that, by the time of your next regular ses-
sion. measures of Importance, in connection S
with this branch of the public service, may /;
be matured for your consideration.
Although the laws regulating the Post o. 1
fee Department only require from the officer T
charged with its direction to report at the |
usual annual session Of Congress, the Post c
master General has presented to me some 1
facts connected with the financial condition t
the Department, which are deemed wor- I
thy the attention Of Congress. By the ac- t
companylng report of that officer, it appears 4
the existing liabilities Of that Dcpartmetn, T