Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1841-12-21

1 wv iioiticI SellIclDenfS, anu vi cStdOltSE-
ing the means Of safe intercourse between
the American settlements at the mouth of
the Columbia River and those on this side
of the Rocky Mountains, would seem to
suggest the Importance Of carrying into el-
feet the recommendations upon this head
with as little delay as may be practicable.
The report Of the Secretary of the Navy
will place you in possession Of the present
condition of that important arm of the ma
tional defence. Every effort will be made
to add to its efficiency, and | cannot too
strongly urge upon you, liberal appropriate
lions 10 that branch Of the public service
inducements Of the weghtest character
must exist for the adoption Of this course
of policy. Our extended and otherwise
exposed maratime frontier calls for pro-
lection, to the furnishing Of which an eff
Gent naval force is indispensable. We
look to no foreign conquests, nor do we
propose to enter into competition with any
other nation for supremacy on the Ocean.
but it is due not only to the honor, but to
the security of the people Of the United
States, that no nation should be permitted
to invade our waters at pleasure, and sub
ject our towns and villages TO conlag ra-
ton and pillage.
Economy in all branches Of the public
service, is due from all the public agents
to the people-but parsimony alone would
suggest the Withholding Of the necessary
means, for the protection of our domestic
hresIdes from invasion, and our national
honor from disgrace. would most earnest
10 fo
all appropriations for objects not absolute
ly necessary; but | take upon myself, With
oat moment Of hestancy, all the respon-
sibIllty OF recommending the increase and
prompt equipment Of that gallant Navy,
| which has Lighted up every sea with lis
victories, and spread an impershable glo-
ry over the country.
The report Of the Postmaster General
Will claim your particular attention, not
only because Of the valuable suggestions it
contains, but because of the great impor-
lance which, at all times, attaches TO that
! interesting portion Of the public service.
The increased expense Of transporting the
mails along the principal routes, necessa.
rlly claims the public attention, and has "a
Weakened corresponding solicnude on the
part OF the Government. The transmits
sion OF the mail must keep pace with those
facilities OF lntercommunication which are
every day becoming greater through the
building of railroads, and the application of
steam powcr-but it cannot be disguised
that in order 10 do SO, the Post Office De-
partmenl is subjected to heavy exactions.
The lines Of communication between dis
tant parts of the Union, are to a great ex-
tent, occupied by railroads, which, in the
nature Of things, possess complete mo-
nopoly,and the Department is the refore IL
able to heavy and unreasonable charges.
ms evil Is destined 10 great increase in
future, and some timely measure may be-
come necessary TO guard against it.
| feel it my duty to bring under YOUR
consideration practice which has grown
up IN the administration Of the Government
and which, am deeply convinced, ought
to be corrected. aIIude TO the exercise
of the power, which usage, rather than rem
son, has vested in the President, of remo-
wing lncumbents from office in order to
substitute others more in favor of the do
mnant party. My own conduct, in this
respect has been governed by conscien-
cIous purpose 10 exercise the removing
power onl y in cases Of unfathfuIness or
inability, or in those in which its exercise
appeared necessary, in order to discoun,e-
nance and suppress that spirit of active par
tIzanshIP on the part Of officers, which not
only withdraws them from the steady and
impartial discharge Of their official duties,
but eXerts an undue and I'M furious influence
over elections, and degrades the character
OF the Government itself. inasmucb 40 i
exhibits the Chief Magistrate as being
party through his agents, in the secret
plots or open workings Of political parties.
IN respect TO the exercise Of this power
nothing should be left to discretion, which
may safely be regulated by law; and it IS
OF hlgh Importance TO restrain, as far as
possible, the stimulus of personal interests
IN public elections. Considering the great
increase which has been made in public
ofhces, IN the last quarter Of a century,
ana the probably Of farther increase, we
incur the hazard Of Witnessing violent DO
lltical contests, directed too often TO the sin.
gle OBJECT of retaining it, by those who are
Out. Under the influence Of these convic-
lions. shall cordially concur in any con-
''i'u'ionai measure lor regulating and re-
stralnlng the power OF removal.
l suggest for your consideration the pro-
Priety Of making, without further de law,
some specific application of the funds de-
rived under the will Of Mr.. Smithson of
England, for the diffusion of knowledge;
and which have, heretofore, been vested in
pubic stocks until such time as Congress
should think proper to give them speci-
nc direction. Nor will you, feel conf
dent, permit any abatement Of the prinoi-
pal OF the legacy to be made, should turn