Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1842-12-08

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the landlord, and the citizens Of the
States wherein lie the lands are its ten
ants. The relation is an unwise one !;
and it would be much more conducive of
the public interest that sale OF the
lassds should be made, than that they
should remain in their present condition.
The supply CT the Ore would more aban-
dantIy and certainly furnished when to
be dawn from the enterprise and the in-
dustry of the proprietor. than under the
present system
The Recommendation of the Secretary
in regard to the improvements Of the
Western waters, and certain prominent
harburs on the lakes, merits, and doubt
not will receive, your serious attention.
The great importanceof these subjects to
the prosperity Of the extensive region re-
ferred to, and the security Of the whole
cou.try In time Ut war, cannot escape ob-
servatlon. The losses Of LIE and proper
~ which annually occur III The navigation
Of the mississippi alone. because Of the
dangerous distractions iii the river, make
loud demand upon Congress for the
adoption IF efficient measures for their
removal.
The report Of the Secretary of the Ma
w will bring you acquainted with that
important branch Of the public defences.
Considering the already vast and daily
Increasing commerce Of the country, a.
part from the exposure to hostile inroad
of an extended seahoard, all that relates
to the navy is calculated to excite parti-
cn!ar attention. Whatever tends to add
to its efficiency, without entailing un-
necessary charges upon the treasury, is
well worthy of your serious consideration.
1t will be seen. that while an appropria-
ton exceeding by more than million the
appropriations of the present year, is ask
ed by the Secretary, yet that, in this
sum, is proposed to be included $780,
0o0 for the purchase Of clothing. which.
when once expended, will be annually
reimbursed by the sales Of the clothes.
and will constitute a perpetual fund,
without any new appropriation to the
same object. To this may also be added
$4,000 asked to cover the arrearages Of
past years, and S250,OO0 in order to
maintain competent squadron on the
coast Of Africa all Of which, when de-
Quoted, will reduce the expenditures
nearly within the limits OF those Of the
current year. While, however, the ex-
pendiufes will thus remain very nearly
the same as of the antecedent year. it is
proposed 10 add greatly to the operations
to the marine, and, in lieu of on y TWEEN
fy-fve ships in commission, and but lit
tie in the way of building, to keep, with
the same expenditure, fortyone vessels
afioat, and TO build twelve ships of a
small class.
A strict system Of accountability is es-
tablished, and great pains are taken to in
sure industry, fidelity and economy, in
every department of duty. Experiments
have been instituted to test the quality
of various materials, particularly copper,
iron, and coal, SO as to prevent fraud and
imposition.
1t will appear by the report of the
Postmaster General, that the great point
which. fer several years, has been SO
much desired, has, during the current
year, been fully accomplished. The ex-
penditurcs of the department for the cur
rent year have been brought within its
income, without Iessening its general use.
fulness. There has been al increase OF
revenue equal to 100000 for the year
1912 over that of 1871, without, as it is
believed, any addition having been made
to the number Of letters and newspapers
transmitted through the mails. The Post
Office laws have been honestly admins
tered, and fidelity has been observed in
accounting for, and paying over by the
subordinates Of the department, the mo-
neys which have been received. For the
details Of the service, | refer you to the
report.
/ fatter myself that the exhibition thus
made of the condition of the public ad-
ininistratIon viii serve to convince you
that every proper attention has been paid
to the interests of the country by those
who have been called to the heads of the
different departments. The reduction
in the annual expenditures Of the Gov
eminent already accomplished. furnishes
a sure evidence that economy in the APP
plication Of the public moneys is regard
ed as paramount duty.
at peace with all the world-the per-
sonal liberty of the citizen sacredty main
tanned. and his rights secured under poll
teal institutions deriving all their auth
GRITTY from the direct sanction of the peo-
ple-with soil fertile almost beyond
example. and a country blessed with eve
ry diversity Of climate aud production,
what remains to be done in order to adj
vance the happiness and prosperity of
such people Under ordinary circun-
stances, this injury could readily be an
swered. The best that probably could
be done for people inhabitlns such
country, would be to fortify their peace
and security in the prosecution OF their
various pursuits. by guarding them a
gainst invasion. from without, and violence
from within. The rest, for the greater
part, might be left to their own energy &
enterprise. The chief embarrassments
which, at the moment. exhibit themelvcs,