Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1842-12-15
THURSDAY MORNING. DECEMBER rs, 1852.

citing IN the public mind an hostility te
the manufacturing interests, but by Undue
ing system Of smuggling on an exten.
slve scale, and the practice Of every man
ner of fraud upon the revenue, which the
utmost vigilance of Government cannot
efectually suppress. An opposite course
Of policy would be attended by results
essentially different, of which every in
terest Of society, and none more than
those Of the manufacturer, would reap
important advantages. Among the most
striking of its benefits would be that der-
yed from the general acquieseence of the
country in its support, and the consequent
permanency and stability which would be
given 10 all the operations of industry
II cannot be too often repeated, that no
system Of legislation can be wise which
is huctuating and uncertain. No interest
can thrive under it, The prudent capt.
talist will never adventure his capital in
manufacturing establishments, or in any
other leading pursuit of life, if there ex-
lists state of uncertainty as 10 whether
the Government will repeal tomorrow
what it has enacted to-day. Ftlul profits,
however high, if threatened with a ruin
Gus reduction by vacilating policy on
the part of Government, will scarcely
tempt him TO trust tie money which he
has acquired by life Of labor, upon The
uncertain adventure. |, therefore, in the
spirit OF CANCELLATION, and influenced by
no other desire than to rescue the great
interests Of the country from the vortex
of political contention, and in the dis
charge of the high and solemn duties Of
the place which now occupy, recon-
mend moderate duties imposed with a
wise discrimination as 10 their several OBJ
jects, as being not only most likely 10 be
durable, but most advantageous 10 every
interest of society.
The report OF the Secretary Of the War
Department exhibits a very full and salts
factory account Of the various and impor-
tant interests committed TO the charge of
that officer. 1t is particularly gratifying
TO find that the expenditures of the militia
ry service are greatly reduced in amount
that strict system of economy has
been introduced into the service, and the
abuses of past years greatly reformed
tier have been prosecuted with much Wig
or, and at many points our defences are
in very considerable state of forward
ness. The suggestions in reference TO the
establishment of means of communica-
ton with our territories on the Pacific, and
10 hn IL 10
edge of the resources of the intcrmcdi-
ate country, are entitled to the most favor
able consideration. While I would pro-
pose nothing inconsistent with friendly
negotiations 10 settle the extent Of our
claims in that region, yet prudent fore
cast points out the necessity Of such mca-
sures as may enable US to maintain our
rights. The arrangements made for pre-
serving our neutral relations on the boun-
dairy 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 direct
ed bv law to be made of the mineral
lands held BY the Government in several
of the States. The Government is con-
Stltuted the landlord, and the citizens Of
The States wherein lie the lands, are lis
tenants. The relation is an unwise one,
and it would be much more conducive Of
the public interest that a sale of the lands
should be made than that they should re-
main in their present condition. The sup
ply of the ore would be more abundantly
and certainly furnished when to be drawn
from the enterprise and the industry of
the proprietor, than under the present sys-
tenn.
The recommendation Of the Secretary
in regard 10 the Improvements of the
Western waters and certain prominent
harbors on the Lakes, merits, and ! doubt
not will receive, your serious attention.
The great importance of these subjects TO
the prosperity Of the extensive region re-
ierred TO, and the security of the whole
country in time of war, cannot escape OBJ
servation. The losses of life and proper
ty which annually occur in the naviga-
ton Of the Mississippi alone, because Of
the 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 win
bring you acquainted with that important branch
Of the public defences Considering the already
vast and daily increasing commerce of the country,
apart from the exposure TO hostile inroad Of
tended seaboard, all that relates to the Navy is
calculated TO excite particular attention. What
ever tends TO add to its efficiency, without entail
ing unnecessary charges upon the Treasury, well
worthy Of your serious consideration. II viii be
seen that while am appropriation exceeding by less
than million the appropriations Of the present
year, is asked by the Secretary, yet that in this
sum is proposed to be included $500 600, for the
purchase Of clothing, which, when once expended,
will be annually reimbursed by the sale of the
clothes, and will thus constitute perpetual fund,
without any new appropriation TO the same object.
To this may also be added $50 ,000 asked to cover
the arrearages past years. and $780, 900 in order
TO maintain competent squadron on the coast Of
Africa; all of which, when deducted, win reduce
the expenditures nearly within the limits of those
Of the current year. While, however, the expen-
ditures will thus remain very nearly the same as
Of the antecedent year. it is proposed to add great
~ to the operations Of the Marine and in lieu Of
only 25 ships in commission, and but little in the
way Of building, TO keep, with the same eXpendi-
ture, iorty-one vessels atoat, and to build twelve
ships Of small class.
A strict system Of accountability is established,
and great pains taken TO insure industry tidel-
ty and economy, in every department of duty