The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-03-08

! NOL. .-NO. lZZ.
classes, such as frigates and sloops of war, to-
gether with steamers of moderate size and
draught of water, which during time of peace
may be employed benefcially and even pro6ta-
| bly, as packets, between our own and other
countries, but would be available in the event OF
war for the purposes of effective defence
In the construction of these vessels reference is
wisely had to the encouragement Of our national
industry and to the consumption of materials
which are the products of our own country,
thus connecting with the great object of public
| safety, the development of our resources, and
the encouragement of the feeling of nationality
without which, Improvements, however great,
must be deprived of half of their value
BY the measures suggested, the American
farmer, merchant, manufacturer, and III a
word, all of the producing classes, will be
furnished with the means of support, and in
with the honor and prosperity of our instiu-
tons. Here we may be permitted to remark,
that Of all protective systems that can be adopt
ed the one that is least open to objection is that
by which the means of the Government are
made use of among the working classes, thus
affording stimulus to enterprise, and, at the
same time, giving back to those who contribute
to the expenses of the Government as a COM
pensation for the services they may render, the
very money furnished by themselves. In ma
king the recommendations embraced in the re-
port of the Secretary Of the Navy, the Admin
stration has performed what may, IN these
times of retrenchment, be considered as a dan
gerous experiment; but when rightly considered,
these suggestions are dictated by the only true
economy, and, if adopted, as we most sincerely
hope they will be, by the legislative branch of
the Government will go to enrich, instead of
impovershing, the people The landed propri-
etor, who furnishes the ship timber, the iron
master, who supplies the iron, the ship-builder,
who constructs the vessels, and the people, who
furnish all of them with the necessaries of life,
will be the gamers, inasmuch as there will be
furnished to them ready home market for
whatever they may have to offer. BY such ex-
penditures no nation can ever be impoverished,
and those who see their own interests will be
ready to sustain, with zeal, rulers whose views
of public policy induce them wisely to make use
Of the high stations in which they are placed,
for the distribution of the blessings of plenty
and contentment throughout the land.
Among the reforms suggested is re-organi-
cation of the Navy Department, by which unity
of action, regular subordination, and direct ac-
countabiity, will be procured, and thus econo-
my, in the expenditure of the treasure of the
country, be promoted. Under the existing sys-
tenn there must arise much loss of time and mo-
ney in carrying on the public service, whereas
under the plan laid before Congress by the Sc
cretary, but not yet acted on, although much
time has already elapsed, the business of the
Department by being distributed among diffe-
rent bureaux, the heads of which shall be held
respectively accountable for what is placed un-
der their charge will be carried on with prompt
ness, certainty and ease to all concerned. There
are other branches of reform which now await
the tardy action of Congress, and it is hoped
that when they shall settle the important cues
ton about the hire of one or t1oo clerks, more
or zese and other matters of similar weight,
they will take time to consider subjects which
involve hundreds of thousands of dollars, d.
rectly and indirectly, the safety of thousands
of lives, and American property to the amount
of hundreds of millions. The conclusion of the
report, on the subject ofthe cost of the proposed
measures, is so truly admirable, that we must
be permitted to subjoin it:
In the administration of this Department, it will
be object of great solcitude with me to prac
tice prudent economy in all things. But have not
sought to save the public money, by simply declining
to apply it to its most valuable public Believ
ing it to be object of the first Importance to place
our Navy upon the most efficient establishment, |
have not expected to effect that object at any small
cost The saving which exposes the country, in
defenceless condition. to hostile attacks will not be
recommended by me- The spirit which pauses to cal
culate the cost of rendered necessary for
the support of the honor and glory of country,
will never is hoped, display itself in this Depart
tentative fairly and fully before the country. An
efficient Navy cannot be built and supported without
very great expense; but this expense is more than
repaid, in time of peace, by the services which
such Navy render. In war; it will be worth
to us all the value which we place the safety of
our exposed seacoas the security of millions of
our people, and on the weearned glory of our naval
flag 1t is enough that necessity for this expenditure
can be shown the amount Of it will be secondary
consideration with people who truly love their
country and properly value its institutions"
THE LAW OF USURY.
If there be remnant of antiquity totally UNI
sui ted to the genius and spirit of the present