Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1844-12-25

of the department, Tor ihe ls-t ts.sr years,
have been so conducted, as, & m its un-
aided resources, 10 meet IT'S large eXEen-
ditures. On my coming into office, debt
of nearly S50O.000 existed against the
Department, which Congress discharged
by an appropriation from tie treasury,
The department. on the flh Cf March
next, will be found, under the management
of the present efficient head, free 81 debt
or embarrassment, which could only have
been done BY the observance and practice
Of the greatest vigilance aud economy
The laws have contemplated, throughout,
that the department should be seli-sus-
tanned; but it may become necessary
with the wisest regard to the public inter
ests, TO introduce amendments and altera-
tons in the system. There Is a strOng
desire manifested in many quarters, 50 %
alter the tariff Of letter postage, as 10 re-
duce the amount of tax at present nm
posed. Should such a measure be carried
into effect, TO the full extent desired, q
cannot we'll he doubted but that. for the
first year Of It's operation, diminished
revenue would be collected, the supply Of
which would necessarily constitute a
charge upon the treasury. Whether such
a result would be desirable, It viii Be for
Congress, in its wisdom, 10 determine II
may in general be asserted, that radical
alterations in any system should rather
be brought about gradually, than BY sud
den changes; and by pursuing this prudent
policy in the reduction Of letter postage.
the Department might sill sustain itself
through the revenue which would accrue
by the increase of letters. The state and
OF the public Treasury has,
heretofore, been such as 10 have prCc.u-
ded the recommendation Of any material
change. The difficulties upon this head
have, however, ceased, and a large Clscre-
ton is now left 10 the Government
cannot too strongly urge the policy q
the establishment Of 4 line q
steamships regularly TO ply between thIs
country and foreign ports, and upon our
own waters, for the transportation Of the
mail. The examples of the British Gov
eminent Is well worthy Of imitation IN
this respect. The belief IS strongly en-
tertained, that the emoluments arising
from the transportation Of mail matter %
foreign countries, would operate Of itself
as an inducement 10 cause individual en-
terprise TO undertake that branch OF the
task; and the remuneration Of the Gov
eminent 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 apPr0-
val, the propriety Of placing such ships
under the command Of experienced Otii-
GERS of the Navy will not escape vCur OBJ
servation. The application 81 steam Co
he purpose Of naval warfare. cO-eat.y
recommends an extensive steam marine
as important in estimltng tLe defence ot
the country. Fortunately, this nav be at
tanned b. US 20 great extent without ia-
curing any large amount OF expenditure
Steam vessels - be engaged an the trans
por alton OF the mails on our principal Wa.
lef-cOurse, lakes, and parts OF ru- coast
could also be so constructed rs Or Ne -.i
cient as war vessels when needed, ans
would of themselves constitute q form l-
bic force in order 10 repeI attacks from
abroad. We cannot be blind 10 the fact
that other nations have already added
large numbers Of steam ships to their ma
val armaments, and That this new and
powerful agent is destined Co revolatiouizs
the condition Of the world &c becomes
the United States, therefore. booking q
their country, 10 adopt a similar policy;
and the plan suggested viii enable then
to do so at small comparative cost
! take the greatest pleasure IN bearing
testimony 10 the zeal and untirIng industr,
which has characterized the conduct d
the members of the Executive Cabinet
Each, in his appropriate sphere, has ren.
dered me the most efficient aid IN carving
on the government, and It VIII not. trust
appear out of place for me % bear thi.
public testimony. The cardinal object,
which should ever be held in view bv those
entrusted with the administration II pub
lie affairs, are rigidly, and without favor
or affection, so to interpret the national
Will, expressed IN the laws, as that inius.
tice should be done to none-iustice 10 an.
This has been the rule upon which thew
have acted; and thus, il Is believed tbl,
few cases, If any, exist, wherein our fel.
low citizens, who from tim. 10 time have
been drawn 10 the seat of government n,
the settlement of their transactions With
the government, have gone away Gissatis
fed. Where the testimony has been nar.
fected, and was deemed satisfactory. thei,
claims have been promptly audited; anc
this IN the absence Of all favoritism or par.
TALLY. The government which Is not JUS
to It's own people, can neither claim then
affection nor the respect OF the world