Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1841-06-12

wars between maritime States. We cannot We, |
see the extent to which this power may be applied
in bclgercnt operations connecting itself as it does
with recent improvements in the science Of gunneiy |
and ptojecles; bu, we need have no fear of being
left, in regard 10 these things, behind the most ac-
tive and skilful of other nations, if the genius and
enterprise of our fellow citizens receive proper en-
couragcment and direction from Government.
True wisdom would nevertheless seem to die.
tate the necessity Of placing in perfect condition
those Notifications which designed for the pro-
lection of our principal cities and roadseads. For
the defence of our extended maritime coast, our
chief reliance should be placed on navy, aided
by those inventions which destined TO recon-
mend themselves to public adoption. But no time
should be lost in placing principal cities on the
seaboard and the lakes in state of entire security
from foreign assault Separated we are from
the countries of the old world, and in much unaiec>
ted by their policy, we happily relieved from the
necessity of maintaining large standing armies in
times of peace. The policy which was adopted Ivy
Mr.. Monroe, shortly after the conclusion of the late
war with Great Britain, Of preserving a regularly
organized stall sufficient for the command of large
military force, should necessity for arise, is
founded well in economy as in true wisdom.
Provision is thus made, upon filling up the rank
and file, which can readily be done on any emcr-
gency for the Introduction of system Of decipline
both promptly and efficiently. All that is required
in time of peace is to maintain sufficient number
OF men to guard our Notifications, TO meet any sud-
den contingency, and to encounter the first shock
of war. Our chief reliance must be placed on the
militia. They constitute the grea, body of national
guards and, inspired by all ardent love Of country,
will be found ready at all times and at ull seasons,
to repair with alacrity 10 its defence. 1t will bc
regarded by Congress, doubt not at a suitable
time, of its highest duties, 10 attend TO her
complete organization and decPne.
The state of the navy pension fund requires the
immediate attention of Congress. by the opera
ton Of the act Of the third Of March, 1897,
entitled "An act for the more equitable adminisra-
,on of the navy pension fund.-" that fund has been
exhausted. 1t will be seen from the accompanying
report of the Commissioner of Pensions, that there
will be required for the payment of navy pension.
ers, the first of July next, Ss4,OO6 OCT, and on
the first of January, 1912, the sum of 100000. In
addition 10 these sums, about $4,000 will be requ-
red TO pay arrears of pensions which will probably
be allowed between the first Of July and the first OF
January lSi2, making in the whole 81 50,OO6 OGl
TO meet these payments there is within the con.
| n ,ha a, 6 ~
a deficit of Sl2 ,966 C6l. The public faith requires
that immediate provision should be made for the
payment Of these sums.
In order to introduce into the navy desirable
found 10 be indlspcnslhy necessary. To mature
plan having for its object the accomplishment o
an end so important, and 10 meet the just expecta-
lions of the country, require more time than has
ye, been allowed to the Secretary the head Of the
Department. The hope is INDUCED th.t by tht
time of your next regular SESSION, measures Of i'm
portance, in connexion with this branch of the pub
lie service, may be ma,ured for your consideration
Although The laws regulating the Post Office De
puriment only require from the officer charged will
the direction TO report at the usual annual session
of Congress, the Postmaster General has presente,
to me some facts connected with the financial con
dilion Of the Department which are deemed worth
, the attention Of Congress. BY the accompanying
report Of that officer, i, appears that the existing Ii
abilities Of that Department, beyond the means
payment at its command, cannot be less than iiy
hundred thousand dollars. As the laws organizin
that branch of the public service confne the ex
pendlture TO its revenues, deficiencies lhcrei
canno, he presented under the usual estimates 70
the expenses OF Government. 1t must therefore b
left TO Congress to determine whether The money
now due to contractors shall be paid from the pul
> lie Treasury, or whether that department shall cor
tinue under its present emhauassments. II viii |
seen by the report of the Postmaster General, tn;
the recen; lettings Of contracts in several of IL
States have been made such reduced rates OF con
. pensation, to encourage the belief that if the d
: parmen, was relieved from existing difficulties, i
9 future operations might be conducted without an
:, further call upon the general Treasury.
IS The power of appointing to Office is one of
Is character the most delicate and responsible. II
y appointing power is eveTmore exposed to be led in
" enor With anxious solicitude 10 select the mo
Is Trustworthy for official station | cannot be supp
le sed to possess personal knowledge Of the quail
or cations OF every applicant. deem it thereto
y proper, in this mos, public manner, TO invite,
lc the part of the Senate, just scrutiny into the CHI
e. acter and pretcnslons Of every person whom IN
10 bring 10 their notice in the regular form OF non
of nation for Office Unless persons every way uu