Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1843-12-23

f mentarily the explosion OF her we'll sup
piled magazines TO officers exhibited NJ
signs of fear, and the men obeyed every
order with alacrity. Nor was she aban'
doned until the last CLEAN of hope Of
saving her had expired. Ii is worthy
OF your consideration whether the losse,
sustained by the officers and crew il
this unfortunate affair should not be re-
imbursed to them.
cannot take leave of this painful sub.
Ject without adyerting TO the aid render
ed upon the occasion; by the British au'
thortles at Gibraltar, and the comman-
der, officers and crew Of the British
ship of the line "The Malabar," which
was lying at the time in the Bay. Eve
ry thing that generosity or humanity
could dictate, was promptly performed,
1t is by such acts Of good will by one 10
another Of the family of nations, that
lraternal feelings are nourshed and tho
blessing OF permanent peace secured.
The Report Of the Postmaster Gener-
al will bring you acquainted with the OPP
erations Of that Department during the
past year, and will suggest to you such
notifications OF the existing laws as
in your opinion the exigences Of the pub,
lie service may require. The change
which the country has undergone Of
late years in the mode Of travel and
transportation has afforded so many ia.
clltles for the transmission Of mail
matter out of the regular mail, as to re-
qulrc the greatest vigilance and circum-
Speciion IN order 10 enable the officer Al
the head of the Department to restrain
the expenditures within the income,
There IS also 100 much reason 10 fear
that the franking privilege has run into
great abuse. The Department ncverthe
less has been conducted with the great .
est vleor. and has attained at the least
possible expense, all the usclul objects
for which it was established.
lnrcgard to all the Departments, lam
quite happy in the belief that nothing
has been left undone which was called
for by true spirit of economy, or by a
system Of accountability rightly en-
forced. This IS ia some degree apparent
from the fact, that the Government as
no loss by the default OF any
Of It's agents. In the complex, but at thel
same time, beautiful machinery of our
system Of Government, it is not matter
Ut surprise, that some remote agency
may have failed for an instant 10 fulfil
Is desired offire; but | feel conf lent in
he assertion. that nothing has occurred
o interrupt the harmonious action of the
government itself, and that while the
avs have been executed with efficiency
md vigor, the rights neither of Sa,es
Tor individuals have been tramplcd on or
lisregarded.
In the mean time the country has been .
teadlly advancing in all that contri.
'utes national greatness. The tide of
population continues unbrokenly to flow
n,o the new States and territories where
refuge is found not only for our native
porn fellow citizens but for omigran.s
romall parts oftho ci vilized world, who
come among us 20 Par.ake Of the bles.
sings OF our free institutions, and to aid
'Y their labor to swoll the current Of our I
wealth and power. i
1t is due, TO every consideration OF pub ,
nc policy that the lakes and rivers of the
west should receive all such attention at
The hands Of Congress as the Consiitu.
lion will enable it 10 bestow. Works in {
favorable and proper situations on the
'akes would be found to be as indspen.
SADLY necessary in case Of war to carry
on safe and successful naval operations,
rs iortlhcatlons on the Atlantic sen
board. The appropriation made by the s
last Congress for the improvement of the :
navigation of the Mississippi river, has
been diligently and efficiently applied.
l cannot close this communication.
gentlemen, without recommending 10
your most favorable consideration the n
interest of this District. Appointed by v
he Constitution its exclusive Legislators ,
md forming in this particular the only
anomaly In our system Of Government 0
u the Legislative bod y being elected by f
others than those for whose advantage Il
hey are to legislate; you will feel a So. .
,eradded obligation to look we'll into
heir condition, and 10 leave no cause for u
or regret. The Seat of Gov. P
'rnment Of our associated Republic can. b
lot but be regarded as worthy Of your h
PARENTAL care.
In connexion with its othor interests, "
8 well as those Of the whole country, D
ecommend that al your present session a
ou adopt such measures, in order to {,
AIRY into fleet the Smithsonian bequest, :,
s in your judgment will be- hest cacula. =
ed to consummate the liberal intent OF
he testator. a
When, under dispensaton of Divine "
row IHnn0o A.