Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1843-12-21

ttoH 10 us consideration at Two cOnSeCu-
tive sessions. The recommendation,
however, met with no favor at its hands.
While am free to admit, that the ne
cessities of the times have since become
greatly ameliorated, and that there is
good reason to hope that the country is
safely and rapidly emerging from the
difficulties and embarrassment which
every where surrounded it in 1841, yet
cannot but think that its restoration to
sound and healthy condition would be
greatly expedited by resort to the expe-
dent in a modified form.
The operations Of the treasury now rest
on the act of 1889, and the resolutioo OF
1916, those laws have been so admin
lstered as to produce as great quantum
OF gond to the country as their provisions
are capable Of yielding. If there had
been any distinct expression of opinion
going to show TINT public sentiment is
averse to the plan either rs heretofore re-
commended to congress, or in modeh-
ed form, while my own opinion in regard
to it would remaln,unchanged,I should be
very far from again presenting it to your
consideration. The government has ORR
9lnated with the States and the people.
for their own benefit and advantage; and
1t wonld be subyersive of the foundation
principles of the political edifce which
they have reared, to persevere in a mea-
sure which in their mature judgments,
they had either repadiated or condemn
ed. The will of our constituents, clear
y expressed, should be regarded as the
light to guide our footsteps; the true
difference between a monarchical or ar
istocratical government and republic
being, that in the first the will of the
few prevails over the will of the many,
while in the last the will Of the many
alone should be consulted.
The report of the Secretary of War
will bring you acquainted with the con-
ditlon of that important branch of the
public service. The army may be regar-
ded liz consequence of the small number
of the rank and file in each company and
regiment, as little more than nucleus
around which to rally the military force
OF the country in case of war, and yet its
services IN preserving the peace of the
frontier are of most important nature.
In all cases of emergency, the reliance Of
the country is properly placed in the mi
Itla of the several States, and it may
we'll deserve the consideration of con-
gress, whether new and more perfect
organization might not be Introduced,
looking mainly to the volunteer compa
MES Of the union for the present. and of
easy application to the great body of the
militia in time of war.
The expenditures of the war depart
ment have been considerably reduced in
the last two years contingencies. how
ever may arise, which would call for
the filling up of the regiments with full
compliment of men. and make it very
desirable to remount the Corps of Dra-
goons, which by an act of the last CON
gress was directed to be dissolved.
refer you to the accompanying report
OF the Secretary for information in rela
ton to the navy Of the United States
While every effort has been and will
continue to be made to retrench all sd
perfluities and lop off all excrescences
which from. time to time may have grown
up, yet it has not been regarded as wise
and prudent to recommend any material
change in annual appropriations. The
interests which are involved are of too
| important character 10 lead to the re-
communication ofany other than liberal
policy. Adequate appropriations ought
to be made to enable the executive to fit
out all the ships that are now in a course
OF building, or that require repairs, for
active service in the shortest possible
time. should any emergency arise which
may require it. An efficient navy, while
1t IS the cheapest means of public defence,
enlists IN its support the feelings of pride
and confidence which brilliant deeds and
heroic valor have heretofore served to
strengthen and confirm.
! refer you particularly to that part o!
the Secretary's Report which has refer.
ence TO recent experiments in the appica.
ton of steam and in the construction oil
war steamers, made under the superiu.
tendence of distinguished officers of She
navy. In addition to other manifest i'm.
provements in the construction Of the
steam engine and application of the mo-
tive power, which has rendered them
more appropriate to the uses of ships Of
war, one of those officers has brought in
to use power which makes the steam
ship most formidable either for attack OF
defence. cannot too strongly recon.
mend this subject to your consideration,
and do not hesitate to express my entire
conviction Of its great Importance.
| call your particular attention also f.
mat portion OF the Secretary's Report
which has reference to the act of the late
session of Congress which prohibited the
transfer of any balance of appropriation
from other heads of appropriation to tina,
for building, equipment and repair. The
repeal of that prohibition will enable the
Department 70 give renewed employment
to large class of workmen who have
been necessarily discharged in conse-
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