Lexington union. (Lexington, Miss.) 1838-18??, 1841-01-02

in latitude W deg. I'm. SCUM, lof uess
27m. east, and afterwards in latitude %
dogs. 3lm. south, longitude lob dogs. Az
N. east, by Lieutenanls Wilkes and tlud-
son, for an extent of eighteen hundred
miles, but on which they were prevented
from landing BY vast bodies Of ice which
encompased il, is one of the honorable re-
suits of tbs enterprise. Lieutenant Wilkes
bears testimony 10 the zeal and good con-
duct OF his officers and men; and it is but
Justice to that officer to state that he APP
pears TO have performed the duties assign
cd him with ardor, ability, and persever-
ance, which give every assurance of an
honorable issue to the undertaking.
The report Of the postmaster General
herewith Transmitted, will exhibit tho
service Of that department the past year,
and Its present condition. The transpor-
ia,ion has been maintained dunn the year
to the full extent authorized by The eXis-
ting laws; some improvements have been
effected, which the public interest seemed
urgently TO demand, but not involving any
material additional expenditure; the cor
tractors have generally performed their en-
gagement with fidelity; the postmasiers
with few exceptions, have rendered their
accounts and paid their quarterly balan-
ces with prompitude, and the whole SER
vice of the department has maintained the
efficiency for which il has for several years
been distinguished.
The acts OF Congress establishing new
mail routs, aud requiring more expensive
services on others, and the increasing
wants Of the country have for three years
past, carried the expenditures something
beyond the accruiug revenues; the excess
having been met, until the past year, by
the surplus which had previously accum.
ed.-That surplus having been e2haus-
ted, and the anticipated increase in the
revenue not having been realized, owing
to the depression in the commercial bust.
ness Of the country, the finances OF the de-
partment exhibit a small deficiency al the
close Of the last fiscal year lis resources,
however, are ample; and the reduced rates
Of Compensation for The transportation SER
wee which may be expected on the future
lettings, from tho general reduction
of prices, with the increase Of revenue
that may reasonably be anticipated from
the revival of commercial activity, must
soon place the finances Of the department
in prosperous condition.
Considering the unfavorable circum-
stances which have existed during the
past year, but on the contrary, exhibits
small increase, the circumstances referred
to having had no other effect than to
check the expected income.
Ii will be seen that The Post Master
General sugges: certain improvements in
the establishment, designed to reduce the
weight ofihe mails cheaper the transpor,
iation, ensure greater splarity in The
service, and secure a considerable rcduc.
ton Of letter-postage-a object highly
desirable. The subject is one Of general
interest TO the comunily,and is respectfully
recommended TO your consideration.
The suppression of the African slave
trade has received the continued attention
of the government. The brig Dolphin
and schooner Grampus have been employ
ed during the last season on the coast Of
Africa, for the purpose Of preventing such
portions of that trade as was said TO be
prosecuted under the American flag. Al
ter cruising Of those parts Of the coast most
usually resorted to by slavers, until the
commencement Of the rainy season, these
vessels returned to the United States for
supplies, and have since been despatched
on a similar service.
From the reports Of the commanding
officer, il appears that the trade is now
principally carried on under Portuguese
coIors; and they express the opinion that
the apprehension Of their presence on the
slave coast has, in great degree, arrested
the prostitution of the American flag to
this inhuman purpose. II is hoped that
by continuing to maintain this force in
that quarter, and by the exertons OF the
officers in command, much will he done
TO put a stop to what ever portion Of this
traffic may have been carried on under
the American flag, and to prevent its use
in trade which, while it violates The laws,
is equally an outrage on the rights of 9th.
ers and the feelings Of humanity. The
efforts ofthe several Governments who arc
anxiousIy seeking TO suppress this traffic
must, hoMever, be directed against the fa-
ciIities afforded by what are now recog.
nized as legitimate commercial pursuits,
before that object can be fully accomplish.
ed.
Supplies Of provisions, water casks,
merchandise, and articles connected with
the prosecution of the slave trade, are, ii
is understood, freely carried by vessels to
different nations TO the slave factories
a nd Lhn nGncls nE the flcInrc nrn L.a-a..o.