Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-12-14

have accomplished il paper medium Of exchange
equal In amount to the real wants of the country,
at par value with gold and silver. The saving to
the Government would have been equal 10 all the
interest which it has had to pay on Treasury notes
Of previous as well as subsequent issues, thereby
relieving the Government, and at the same time
afiording relief to the People. Under all the re-
sponsiblities attached to the station which oc-
cupy, aud in redemption of pledge given TO the
last Congress at the close OF It's first session, |
submitted the suggestion TO its consideration at
TWO consecutive sessions. The recommendation,
however, met with no favor at its hands. While
am free TO admit that the necessities Of the
times have since become greatly ameliora,cd, and
That there is good reason to hope the country is
safely and rapidly emerging from the difficulties
and embarrassmcntS which every where surround
ed 1t In 1871, yet cannot but think tina, its resio-
ration TO sound and healthy condition would be
greatly expedited by resort TO the ,xpedien, in
modified form.
The operations of the Treasury now rest on
the act OF 1889 and the resolution of 1916, and
those laws have been administered as TO pro-
duce as great quan,um of good to the country
as their provisions are capable of Welding If
there had been any distinct expression of opinion
going TO show that public sentiment is averse to
L. The plan either as heretofore recommended to
Congress, or in a modified form, while my own
opinion In regard TO i; would remain unchanged,
should be very lar from again presenting it TO
your consideration. The Government has orui.
mated with The States and the People, for their
own benefit and advantage; and i, would be sub
veISlve oil the foundation principles of the polii-
! cal edfce which they have reared TO persevere in
measure Which In their mature judgments they
had either rcpudiated or condemned. The will of
our constituents, clearly expressed, should be re-
garded as the light to guide our footsteps; the
true difference between a monarchcal or aristo.
cratica Government and Republic being that in
the FIRST the will OF the few prevails over The will
oil The many, while in the last the will of the ma
ny should be alone consulted.
Inc report OF the Secretary Of War will bring
you acquainted with the condition of that impor.
ttnl branch OF the public service. The army may
be regarded, IN consequence of the small number
oil the rank and nile in each company and rcui-
ment, as little more Than Il nucleus around which
10 rally the military force of the country in case
OF war, and yet its services i'm PRESERVING the
peace of the frontiers are of a most important ma
lure. In all cases of emergency the reliance of
me country is properly placed in the militia of
me several States; and 1t may well deserve the
consideration of Congress whether new and
more perfect organization might not be introduced
looking mainly 10 the volunteer companies of the
Union Tor the present, and Of easy application to
The great body OF the militia in time of war.
The expenditures of the War Department have
been considerably reduced in the last two years !;
contingencies, may arise which would call for the
hliing up OF the regiments with full complement
oil men, and make it very desirable 10 remount the
corps of dragons which by an act of the last
Congress was directed 10 he dissolved
refer you TO. the accompanying report of the
Secretary for information in relation to the navy
OF the United States. While every effort has
been and VIII continue to be made 10 reirench all
superfluities and lop off all cxcrescences which
from time TO time may have have grown up, We,
II has not been regarded as wise Oh prudent to
recommend any material change in the annual APP
Preparations. The interests which are involved
are oil 100 important character to lead 10 the rec
concentration OF any o.her thon a liberal policy
Adequate appropriations ought to be made TO enable
the Executive TO fit out all the ships that are now
In course OF building, that require repairs, for
acliVe service In the shortest possible time should
any emergency arise which may require it. An
efficient navy while it is the cheapest means of
Puoiic defence, enlists In its support the feelings
OF pride and confidence which brilliant deeds and
heroic valor have heretofore served 10 STRENGTHEN
and confirm.
refer you particularly TO that part of the Sec.
1etaryS Report which has reference TO recent ey-
Periments In the application of steam and in the
construction oil war steamers, made under the
superintendent OF distinguished officers of the
navy. In addition to Other manifest imnrove
iheh's In the construction of the steam engine
ana application oil the motive power, which has
rendered them more appropriate TO the uses of
SHIPS OF war, one of those officers has brought
into use a power which makes the steamship
most formidable either for attack or defence. |
cannot too strongly recommend this subject to
your consideration, and do not hesitate to express
my entire conviction of lis great Importance.
Call your particular attention also 10 that por-
lion OF the Secretarys report which has reference
10 The act oil the late session of Congress which
prohibited the transfer of any balance of appro-
praiIon from ether heads of appropriation to that
Tor building, equipment and repair. The repeal
OIL That prohibition will enable the Department to
give renewed employment 10 large class of work
men who have been necessarily discharged in
consequence OF the want of means to pay them;
circumstance attended, especially a, this season
OF The year, with much privaon and suffering.
1t gives me great pain to announce to YOU the
loss OF the steamship 1.-The Missouri by fire, in
The bay OF Gibraltar, where she had stopped TO
renew her supplies of coal, on her voyage to AL
eAandrln, with Mr.. Gushing, the American Min
lister 10 China, on board There is ground for
high commentator Of The officers and men, for
The GOODNESS and intrepidity and perfect submis-
sion TO discipline, cvnced under the most trying
circumstances. Surrounded by a raging fire.
which the utmost eXertions could not subdue and
which threatened momentary the explosion of
hef well supplied magazines, the officers exhibit
ed no signs of fear, and the men obcyed every or
der with aIacrlty. Nor was she abandoned until
me last CLEAN of hope Of saving her had expired.
III is well worthy OF your consideration whether
ihe losses sustained by the officers and crew in
his unfortunate affair should not be reimbursed
TO them.
j cannot take leave of this painful subject
without advertiDg to the aid rendered upon the
occasion by the BRUSH authorities at Gibraltar
and the commander, officers, and crew of the
british ship of the line sThe Malabar," which
was lying at The tine in the bay. Every thing
that generosity hufnauty