, 1844-12-21

tween this country and foreign ports and upon our waters,
for the transportation of the mail. The belief is strongly
entertained that the emoluments arising from the transport
tation of mail matter TO foreign countries, would operate
itself as au inducement 10 cause individual enterprise to
undertake that branch Of the task; and the remuneration OF
the Government would consist in the addition readily made
to our steam navy in case OF emergency, by the ships so
employed. Should this suggestion meet your approval,
the propriety of placing such ships under the command OF
experienced officers Of The Navy will not escape your OBJ
servation. The application oil steam TO The purposes ina
val warfare, cogenily recommends an extensive Steal" d
rine as important in estimating the delrnces oi 'e country.
Fortunately, this may be attained by US % asiea' eA -
without mourning any large amount Of expenditure o'eah
vessels to be engaged in the transportation ofthe mai'S y II
our principal wafer courses, lakes, and parts OF our coast,
could also be SO constructed as 10 be efficient as war YES
sells when needed.
Order and efficiency in each branch of the public service,
have prevailed, accompanied by a system Of the most rigid
responsibility on the part OF the receiving and discussing a.
gents. The fact, in illustration Of tue truth Of this remark,
deserves TO be noticed, that the revenues OF the Govern-
mclt, amounting Ill the last four years to upwards al $lZO,
900, 900, have been collected and disbursed, through the
numerous Governmental agents, without the loss, by de-
fault. Of any amount worthy Of serious commentary.
The appropriations made by congress for the Improvement
of the rivers of the west, and Of the harbors on the lakes, are
la a course of judicious expenditure under suitable agents; and
are destined, ii is to be hoped, TO realize all The benefits design
ed TO be accomplished BY congress, / cannot, however, suiii-
cicntly impress upon congress, the great Importance OF with
holding appropriations trcm Improvements winch are not as
ce:;aIned, by previous examination and survey, to be neceSSa-
ry for the shelter and protection of trade from the dangers OF
storms and tempests. Without this precaution, the eXpendi-
lures are but too apt to enure to the benefit of individuals; with
out reference 10 the only consideration which can render them
constitutional the public interests and the general good.
IcaD""l loo earnestly urge upon you The interests
"l his District. over which, by the Constitution, Con-
.re>s has exclusive Juri>dIcuon. II would he deeply
10 he regretted should there he. at any time. ground To
unpia.h oi ne;Icct on the part OF Il community which,
d 'laclcI a. l. /, irulE the parental care OF the States OF
Virginia and Ma, land, can only expect aud IRON Con.
res>. as It's iec-s legislature. Amongst the subjects
ahIch CAIN your attention., Is The prompt organization
of an asylum lOr the IuSdne; who may be iound from
mIe Ia time, a. 'mrlIng within the District. Such
course Is also dcma-drd by con liberation which ap-
ply to branches OF the public service. For The neces-
>lties IN this behalf, invite your particular attention
10 The reporl ut the Secretary at the Navy.