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

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unforeseen contingencies, the Legislature
Itself may come to be seized with dispo-
sition to indulge in extravagant appropri-
atoms to objects, many OF which may
and most probably would-be found to
conflict with the constitution. A financial
expediency is elevated above constitution.
al authority, and a reckless and wastelu
extravaganza but too certainly follows.
The important power of taxation, which,
when exercised in its most restricted form,
is burden on labor and production, is re-
sorted to, under various pretexts, for pur
poses having no affinity to the motives
which dictated lis grant, and the extrava
gance of Government stimulates iadiyidu-
al extravaganza, until the spirit of wild
and i'll regulated speculation, involves one
and all TO its unfortunate results. In view
of such fatal consequences, it may be laid
down as an axiom, founded on moral and
political truth, that no greater taxes should
be imposed than are necessary for an eco
nomical administration of the Government,
and that whatever exists beyond, should
be reduced or modified.
with the exercise of a sound discrimination
in the selection of the articles to be taxed,
which a due regard to the public veal
would, at all times, suggest TO the Legisla-
tive mind. 1t leaves the range Of selec
ton underlined; and such selection should
always be made with an eye to the great
interests Of the country. Composed as is
the Union. of separate and independent
States, patriotic Legislature will not fail
in consulting the interests of the parts, to
adopt such course as will be best calculated
to advance the harmony of the whole, and
thus ensure that permanency in the policy
OF the Government, without which, all ei-
forts to advance the public prosperity are
vain and fruitless. This great and vitality
important task rests with Congress, and
the executive cannot do more than recon-
mend the general principles which should
govern in It's execution.
refer you to the report Of the Secreta-
ry Of War, for an exhibition of the condi-
ton of the Army; and recommend to you,
as well worthy your best consideration,
many of the suggestions it contains. The
Secretary, in no degree, exaggerales the
great Importance of pressing forward,
without delay, in the work of erecting and
finishing the Publications, to which he
particularly alludes. Much has been done
towards placing our cities and roadsteads
IN a state of security against the hazards of
hostile attack, within the last four years;
but considering the new elements which
have been, of late years, employed in the
propelling Of ships, and the formidable i'm
pIements of destruction which have been
brought into service, we cannot be too ac-
tive or vigilant in preparing and perfect
ing the means of defence. | refer YOU.
also, to his report for full statement Of
the condition Of the Indian tribes within
our jurisdiction. The Executive has aba
ted no effort IN carrying into effect the
well-established policy of the Government,
which cOntemplates a removal of all the
tribes residing within the limits Of the sew
eral States, beyond those limits; and it IS
now enabled to congratulate the country
at the prospect of an early consummaIion
of this object. Many of the tribes have
already made great progress in the arts of
civilized life; and through the operation
of the schools established among them,
aided by the efforts of the pious men of
, various religious ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS de-
vote themselves to the task of their i'm
provement-we may fondiy hope that the
remains of the formidable tribes which
were once the masters of this country.
will, in their transition from the savage
state, to a condition of refinement and cul-
tivation, add another bright trophy to
adorn the labors of well-directed philan.
thropy.
The accompanying report of the Secre-
tary of the Navy will explain to you the
f situation of that branch of the service.
The present organization of the Depart
ment imparts to its operations great eff
cheney; but | concur fully in the propriety
of division of the Bureau of Construc-
ton, Equipment, and Repairs, into two
} Bureaux. The subjects, as now arranged.
are incongruous, and require, to a certain
extent information and qualifications alto
gether dissimilar.
The operations of the squadron on the
coast Of Africa have been conducted with
all due attention to the object which led TO
) It's organization; and | am happy to say
that the officers and crews have enjoyed
the best possible health, under the system
adopted by the officers in command. It
is believed that the United States is the
only nation which has. by its laws, sub.
iected to the punishment of death, as pi-
rates, those who may be engaged in the
slave trade. A similar enactment on the
part of other natious would not fail to be
attended by beneficial sesults.