The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-12-01


Iop off all excrescences which from time to time may
| have grown up, yet it has not been re. arded as
wise prudent recommend any material change 10
annual appropriations. The interests which in
volved Of too important character to lead to the
recommendation Of any other than liberal policy
Adequate appropriations ought TO be made TO enable
the Executive TO fit out all the ships that in
course Of building, that require repairs, for
tive service in the shortest possible time, should any
| emergency arise which may require it. An efficient
Navy, while 1t is the cheapest of public de-
ience enlss in its support the feelings of pride and
confidence which brilliant deeds and heroic valor
have heretofore served to strengthen and confirm.
l refer you particularly to that part Of the Secre-
tarys Report which has reference to recent expert
ments in the application Of steam and in the con.iduc-
! ton OF war steamers, made under the supernten-
dence of distinguished officers of the navy. In addi-
ton to other manifest mprov ements in the construc-
! ton OF the steam engine and application of the mo-
tive power which has rendered them appropriate
to the uses Of ships OF war; of those officers has
brought into use power which makes the steam,
| ship most formidable either for attack or de-
fence. cannot too strongly recommend this
subject to your consideration and do not hs state
press my entire conviction gifts great Importance.
call your particular attention also to that portion
oil the Secretarys 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 that for building,
/ equipment, and repair. The repeal of that prohibit
tlon will enable the Department to give renewed en-
poyment to large class of workmen who have been
necessarily discharged in consequence Of the want
OF means TO pay them--a circumstance attended es-
pecaliy at this Of the year. with much priva
| ton and suffering.
gives me great pain to announce to you the lOss
of the steam shp'The Missouri" by fire, in the Bay
OF Gibraltar, where she had stopped renew her sup
plies Of coal, on her voyage to Alexandra with
| Mr.. Cushing, the American Minister to China
| on board. There is ground for high commentator
OF the officers and men, for the GOODNESS and intrep-
dty and perfect submission to discipline evinced I'M
der the most trying circumstances. Surrounded by a
raging hre, which the utmost exertons could not
/ subdue and which threatened momentary the ex-
plosons of her well supplied magazines the officers
exhibited no signs of fear, and the obeyed every
order with aIacrity. 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 unfor
tunate affair should not be reimbursed to them
cannot take leave of this painful subject without
adverting to the aid rendered upon the OCCASION BY
the British authorities at Gibraltar and the comman-
der officers and crew of the British ship Of the line
1.-The Maabar," which was lying at the time in the
bay. Every thing that generosity or humanity could
dictate, was promptly performed. 1t by such acts
OF good will by one to another Of the family of ma
tons, that fraterna feelings are nourished and the
blessings OF permanent peace secured.
The Report of the Postmaster General will bring !
you acquainted with the operations of that Depart
ment during the past year, and will suggest to you
such notifications of the existing laws as in your !
opinion the exigences Of the public service may re.
qure The change which the country has undergone
OF late years in the mode Of travel and transportation
has afforded many facilities for the Transmission
OF mail matter out OF the regular mail as 10 r. qure
the greatest vigilance and circumspection in order to
enable the officer at the head OF the Department to
restrain the expenditures within the income. There
is also too much reason to fear that the franking
privilege has run into great abuse. The Department
nevertheless has been conducted with the greatest
vigor, and has attained at the least possible expense
all the useful objects for which 1t was established
In regard TO all the Departments, / am quite
happy in the belief that nothing has been left undone
winch was called for by true spirit Of economy
by system OF accountability rigidly enforced. This
Is IN some degree apparent from the fact that the
Government has sustained no loss by the default Of
any oil hs agents. In the complex, but at the same
time, beautiful machinery of system Of Govern
ment, IT not matter OF surprise, that remote
agency may have failed for an instant 10 fulfil its de-
sired office but feel confident in the assertion that
nothing has occurred TO interrupt the harmonious ac
ton OF the Government itself and that while the ,
laws have been executed with efficiency and yigor
the rights neither OF States individuals have been
trohnpled on or disrcgardcd
In the mean time the country has been steadi-
ly advancing in all that contributes to national
greatness. The tide Of population continues UNI | y
brokcnly to flow into the States and territories
where refuge is found not only for native horn
ielow-cltzens, but for emigrons from all parts Of the
blessings of our free Institutions and to aid by their
labor TO ell the Of our wealth aud power
1t Is due 10 every consideration Of public policy
that the lakes and rivers of the West should receive
all such attention al the hands Of Congress as the
Constitution Will enable II TO bestow. Works IN ia
yorable and proper situations on the lakes would be
found TO be ndspensaby necessary in case of war
10 carry safe and successful naval operations as
on the Atlantic board The appro-
priaticn made by the last Congress for the improve
mn al thp .fio Of Tho
been diligently and efficiently applied.
cannot close this communication, gentle nen,
without recommending to your most favorable
consideration, the interests of this District APP
pointed by the Constitution It's exclusive legsla-
tors, and forming in ths particular the only anomaly
IN our system of Government Of the Legislative body
being elected by Others than those for whose advan
iage they are to legisate you will feel superadded
obligation 10 look well into their condition and 10
leave no cause for complaint or regret The Seat |
OF Government OF our associated Republics cannot
but be regarded as worthy OF your parental care.
In connexion with its other interests, as well as
those of the whole country, | recommend tina, at
your present session you adopt such measures in or
der 10 carry into effect the Smithsonian bequest
in your judgment will be best calculated to consum-
mate the liberal intent of the testator.
When, under dspcnsailon Of Divine Provi.
deDce succeeded to the Presidential office The state
of public affairs was embarrassing and critical. To
add to the irritation consequent upon long standing
controversy with one OF the most poa erfu nations
Of modern times, involving not only questions of
boundary which under the most favorable circum-
stances always embarrassing but at the same time
important and high principles of maritime law-bordcr
controversies between the citizens and subjects of the
two countries had engendered state Of feeling and Of
conduct which threatened the most calamous conso.
quences. The hazards incident to this Il tie ofthings
were greatly heightened by the arrest and mprison
ment Of subject Of Great Br tain, who acrng it |
alleg' d, part of mil ory force had aided in
the commission of an act vioalivc Of the terioralj u
rlsdction oftbe United States and involving The MUIR
der of cit of the State of New York. large
amount of claims against the Government of MtIco
remained unadjuscj, and war of several years con-
nuance with the savage tribes Of Florida still pre-
vailed, attended with the desolaon of large portion
OF that beautiful territory, and with the sacrifice of
many valuable lives. To increase the embarrass
mcnts Of the Government ndivdua and State credi,
had been nearly stricken down, aud confidence in the
General Government was much impaired that