Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1843-12-14

administered as 10 PTooucc "a 6'oa'
quanium of good to the country as their
provisions are capable of yielding. IL
there had been any distinct expression OF
ouioion going to show that public scnti-
ment is averse to the plan either as here
aofore recommended to Congress, or in
modified form, while my own opinion 10
regard TO il would icmain unchanged,
should be very far from again presenting
il to your consideration. The Govern
men, hes originated with the States and
the people, for their own benefit and ad.
vantage; and il would be subversive Of
the foundation principles Of the political
euifce which they have reared, to persc-
we're in measure which in ihtir mature
judgments, they had bither repudiated or
condemned. The will of our constituents,
clearly expressed, should be regarded as
the light to guide our footsteps; the true
difference between monarchica or ar.
istocraiical government and Republic
being, that 10 the first the will OF the few
prevails over the will OF the many, while
in the last the Will Of the many should be
alone consulted.
The report oflhc Secretary Of War will
bring you acquainted with the condition
of that importan, branch Of the public ser.
vice. The Army may be regarded in
consequence of the small number Of the
rank and file in each Company and Regi-
ment. as little more than nucleus around
which TO rally the military force Of the
country in case Of war, and yet its servi-
ces in preserving the peace OF the from
tiers are Of most important nature. ln
all cases Of emergency; the reliance OF the
country is properly placed in the militia
of the several States, and it may well de-
serve the consideration Of Congress,
whether a new and more perfect organ.
zsiion might aot be introduced, looking
mainly to the volunteer companies on the
Union for the present, and of easy appli.
cation t. the great body OF the militia in
time Of war.
The expenditures of the War Depart.
men, have been considerably reduced in
the las, two years; contingencies, how
ever, may arise, which would call tor the
filling up Of the regiments with full COM
plement Of men, and make it very desIra.
BILE to remount the Corps Of Dragons,
which by an act OF the last Congress was
directed to be dissolved.
refer you TO the accompanying report
ofthc Secretary for information in relation
TO the Navy Of the Uuted States. While
every effort has been and will continue to
DE made to retrench all superfuities and
Top off all excrescences which from time
to time may have grown up, yet it has
mot been regarded as wise or prudent to
recommend any material change in annu.
al appropriations. The interests which
are involved are OF too important char
acter 10 lead to the recommendation OF
any other than liberal policy.-Ade-
quate appropriations ought 10 be made to
enable thu Executive to fit out all the
ships that are now in 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 it is the cheap.
est means of public defence, enllsts in its
support The feelings of pride and conf
dence winch brilliant deeds and heroic
valor have heretofore served to strength
en- and confirm.
I refer you particularly 10 that part OF
the Secretary's Report which has refer
ence 10 recent experiments in the applica-
ton of steam and in the constl uction Of
war steamers, made under the superinten-
dence of distinguished officers Of the ma.
Wy. In addition to other manifest improve
ments in the construction of the steam en-
CINE and application Of the motive power,
which has rendered them more appropri-
ate to the use of ships Of war, one of these
officers has brought mo us power which
makes the steam ship most formidable
either for attack or defence. | cannot
too strongly recommend this subject TO
your consideration, ard do not hesitate to
express my entire conviction Of its great
importance. lcal your particular atten-
tlon also to that portion OF the Secretary
report which has reference to the act OF
the late session of Congress which prohb-
tied the transfer Of any balance oil uppro.
priatons from other heads Of appropra.
lion to that for building, equipment, and
repair. The repeal Of that prohibition
will enable the Department TO give re-
,newe1 employment 10 large class OF
,workmen who have been necessarily dis.
charged in consequence al the want oi
means to pay them-a circumstance at
tended, especially at this season Of the
year, with much prvation and suffering.
1T gives me great pain 10 announce to
you the loss ofthe steam ship "The Mis-.
souri," by fire, in the Bay Of Gibraltar,
where she had stopped to renew her sup
plies OF coal. on her voyage to Alexan.
dria, with Mr.. Cushing, the American
Minister TO China on bo lrd. There is
ground for high commentator of the Off
GERS and men, for the GOODNESS aud inlre-
pidlty and perfect submission TO dsci line
cvinced under the most trying clrcum.
stance. Surrounded by raging fire,
which the utmost exertions could not SUBJ
due, and which threatened momentsrlly
the explosions OF her well supplied maya
zines, the officers exhibited no signs oil
fear, and the men obeyed every order
with aacrty. Nor was she abandoned
until the last CLEAN of hope of saving her
had expired. 1t is well worthy of your
consideration whether the losses sustained
by the officers and crew in this uniortn-