Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1844-12-13

Congress and the executive can do no more than |
the general principles which should
govern in its execution.
refer to the report of the Secretary of War, for
an exhibition of the condition of the army and
recommend to you, as we'll worthy your best con-
sderation, many of the suggestions it contains
The Secretary in no degree exaggerates the great
importance, of pressing forward, without delay, in
the work of erecting and finishing the fortiHcatons
to which he particularly alludes. Much has been
done towards placing our cities and roadsteads in
state of security against the hazards of hostile at
tack, within the last four years ; but considering
the new elements which have been, of late years,
employed nthe propelling of ships, and the form
liable implements of destruction which have been
brought into service, we cannot be too active or
vgilant in preparing and pcrfecting 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 abated
no effort in carrying into effect the weIl-estabshed
policy Of the Government, which contemplates
removal of all the tribes residing within the limits
of the several States, beyond those limits and it
is now enabled to congratulate the country at the
prospect of an early consummaton of this object.
Many of the tribes have already made great pro-
gress 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
the task of their improvement--we may fondly
hope that the remains of the formidable tribes
which were once masters of this country will, in
their transition from the savage state, to a condi-
ton of refinement and cultivation, add another
bright trophy to adorn the labors of wel-drcct-
cd philanthropy.
The accompanying report of the Secretary of the
Navy will explain to you the situation of that
branch of The service. The present organization
ho To tic
efficiency but | concur fully in the propricy of a
division ofthe Bureau of Construction, Equipment
and Repairs, into two Bureaux. The Subjects as
now arranged, arc homogeneous, and require, to u
certain extent information and qualifications alto
gether dissimar.
The operations Of the squadron on the coast of
Africa, have been conducted with all due attention
TO the object which led TO its organization and |
am happy to say that the officers and crews have
enjoyed the best possible health under the system
adopted by the officer in command. 1t is believed
the United States is the only nation which has, by
its laws, subjected to the punishment of death, as
pirates, those who may be engaged in the slave
trade. A similar enactment on the part of other
nations would not fail TO be attended by beneficial
results
In consequence of the difficulties which have ex-
listed in the way of securing titles for the necessary
grounds, operations have not yet been commenced
towards the establishment of the Navy Yard at
| Memphis SO soon as the title is perfected, no fur
Their delay will be permitted to intervene. 1t is
well worthy your consideration, whether Congress
should not direct the establishment of rope walk
in connection with the contemplated Navy Yard
as a measure not only of economy, but as highly
useful and necessary The only establishment of
the sort now connected with the service is located
at Boston, and the advantages of similar estab-
lishment, convenient to the hemp-growing region,
must be apparent to all.
The report of the Secretary presents other mat
tiers to yonr consideration, of an important charac-
ter, in connection with the service.
In referring you to the accompanying report Of
the Post Master General, it affords me continued
cause of qualification to be able to advert to the
fact that, the affairs Of the department. for the last
four years. have been so conducted as from its un-
aided resources, to meet its large expenditures
On my coming into office debt of nearly $780,.
600 existed against the department, (which Congress
discharged by an appropriation from the treasury
The department, on the 4th of March next, will be
found, under the management otits present efcien
head free of debt or embarrassment, which coult
only have been done by the observance and prac
tice of the greatest vigilance and economy The
laws have contemplated throughout, that the de-
parment should be selEsustaned ; but it may be
ONE necessary, with the Wisest regard TO the pub
tions in the system. There is a strong desire man
Tested in many quarters, to alter the tariff oil
letter postage to reduce the amount of tax a
present imposed. Should such a measure be car
rlcd into effect to the full extent DESIRED it canno
well be doubted but that, for the first years of it,
operation, diminished revenue would be collect
ed the supply of which would necessarily constitute
a charge upon the treasury Whether such re
suit would be desirable it will be for Congress, il
its wisdom, to determine. 1t may in general bC
asserted that, radical alterations in any system
should rather be brought about gradually, than by
sudden changes and by pursuing this pruden
policy in the reduction of letter postage, the de
partment might still sustain itself through the rev
enue which would accrue by the increase of let
tiers. The state and condition Of the public rea
sury has, heretofore, been such as to have pre-
cluded the recommendation of any material change
The difficulties upon this head have however, ceas
ed, and larger discretion is now left to the gov
eminent.
cannot too strongly urge the policy of author
iZng the establishment of line of steamships reg
ularIy to ply between this country and foreign
ports and upon our own waters, for the ranspor
tation of the mail. The example of the British
Government is well worthy of imitation in this re
spect. The belief is strongly entertained, that thu
emoluments arising from the transportation of mai
matter to foreign countries, would operate of itsel
as an inducement to cause individual enterprise T.
undertake that branch of the task and the remu
neration of the Governments would consist in th
addition readily made to our steam navy in case O
emergency by the ships SO employed, Should thi
suggestion meet your approval, the propricty q
placing such ships under the command Of expert
enced officers of the navy will not escape your oh
servaton. The application of steam to the pur
poses of naval warfare, cogently recommends a
extensive steam marine as important in cstmatin
the defences of the country. Fortunately, this ma
be attained by US to a great extent without mcul
ring any large amount of expenditure. Steam yes
sells to be engaged in the transportation of the mai
on our principal water courses, lakes and parts