Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1842-12-09

cannot be too often repeated, that no system
of legislation can be wise which is fluctuat
inc aud uncertain. No interest can thrive
under it. The prudent capitalist will neye
adventure his capital in manufacturing es
adjustments, or in any other leading pursul
of life, if there exists a state of uncertainty
as to whether the Government will repea
Tomorrow what il has enacted to-day. Fit
fol profits, however high, if threatened will
ruinous reduction by vacllating policy
on the part of Government, will scarcely
tempt him to trust the money which he has
acquired by a life of labor, upon the uncer'
tain adventure. ] therefore, in the spirit
of Cancellation, and influenced by 10 Other
desire than TO rescue the great interests oil
the country. from the vortex Of political con
tention, aud in the discharge of the high
and solemn duties of the place which | now
occupy, recommend moderate duties i'm
posed with wise discrimination as to their
several objects, as being not only most like
" to be durable, but most advantageous to
every interest of society.
The report of the Secretary of the War
Department exhibits a very full and satisfac-
tory account of the various and important in
terests committed TO the charge of that Of
fcer 1t is particularly gratifying to find
that the expenditures for the military service
are greatly reduced in amount--that a strict
system of economy has been introduced in-
to the service, and the abuses of past years
greatly reformed. The notifications on
our maritime frontier have been prosecuted
with much vigor, and at many points our
deiences are i'll very considerable state OF
torwardness. The suggestions in reference
TO the establishment of means Of commune
cation with our territories on the Pacific,
and to the surveys so essential to knoWl-
edge of the resources, OF the intermediate
country. are entitled 10 the most favorable
consideration. While / would purpose
nothing inconsistent with friendly negotia-
tons to settle the extent of our claims in
that region, yet prudent forecast points
out the necessity of such measures as may
enable us to maintain our rights. The ar
Engagements made for preserving our neutral
relations, on the boundary between us and
Texas, and keeping in check the Indians in
that quarter, will be maintained so long as
circumstances may require.
For several years angry contentious have
grown out of the disposition directed by law
to be made of the mineral lands held by the
Government in several of the states. The
Government is constituted the landlord and
the citizens of the State wherein lie the
lands, are II tenants. The relation is an I'M
wise one, and it would be much more con-
duclve OF the public interest, that sale of
the lands should be made, than that they
should remain in their present condition.
The supply of the ore would be more album
dainty aud certainly furnished when TO be
drawn from the enterprise and the industry
of the proprietor, than under the present
system
The recommendation Of the Secretary
in regard to the improvements in the West
ern waters and certain prominent harbors
on the lakes, merit, and doubt not will re-
ceive, your serious attention. The great
Importance of these subjects to the propriety
ofthe extensive region referred to, and the
security orihe whole country in time of war
cannot escape observation. The losses of
life and property which annually occur in
the neighborhood of the Mississippi alone.
because ofthe dangerous distractions in the
river, make loud demand upon Congress
for the adoption of efficient measures for
their removal.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy
will bring you acquainted with that import
ant branch Of the public delences. Con-
'ldering the already vast and daily increas-
ng commerce of the country, apart from
he exposure to hostile inroad of an extend
ID seaboard, all that relates TO the Navy, is /
calculated TO excite peculiar attention.
Whatever tends to add TO its efficiency, with /
,ut entaling unnecessary charges upon the
Treasury, is well worthy your serious con-
alteration. 1t will be seen that while an
appropriation exceeding by less than mil
ion the appropriations Of the present year,
5 asked by the Secretary, yet that in this 4
um is proposed to be included S400, 900, |
or the purchase of clothing, which when
nee expended, viii be annually reimbursed
" the sale of the clothes and will thus con-
ttute perpetual fund, without any new
TO the same object To this
nay also be added $4,000, asked to cover
he arrearages of past years, and $3.50, 600
n order TO maintain competent squadron
N the coast of Africa all of which, when
deducted, will reduce the expenditures to
early within the limits of those of the cur
ent year, While, however, the expendi-
ures will thus remain very nearly the same
S OF the antecedcnt year, it is proposed to
id greatly to the operations of the Marine,
nd in lieu of only % ships in commission,
nd but little in the way of building, to
eep, with the same expenditure, Al vessels
float, and to build twelve ships of small
lass
A strict system of accountability is cstab-
shed, and great pains are taken to insure
industry, fidelity and. economy in every de-
artment of duty Experiments have been
hstiinted TO test tho nnnliir of rarinns NJ.