Wisconsin herald, and Grant County advertiser. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1844-1845, 1844-12-21

branch of the service. The present organization
OF the Department impans 10 its operations great
Efficiency.
The operations OF the squadron on the coast oil
Africa, have been conducted with al 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
that the United States is the only natisn 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 OH the par, of other
nations, would not fail 10 be attended with the most
beneficial results
In consequence of the difficulties which have ex-
listed in the way of securing titles for the
ry grounds, Operations have not yet commenced
towards the establishment of Navy Y ard at Mem
phis. so soon as the title has been perfected, no
father delay will be permitted to intervene. 1t
is well worthy your consideration whether Congress
should not direct the establishment of a rope-walk
in connection with The contemplated Navy Yard,
as measure not only of economy, but highly
useful and necessary. The only establishment of
the sort now connected with the service, is located
at Boston; and the establishment of one similar,
convenient TO the hemp growing region, will be APP
parent in its benefits.
In referring you 10 the accompanying report of
the Post Master General, it affords me continued
cause of qualification 10 be able to advert to the
fact that the affairs of this Department for the last
four years, have been conducted as, from its un-
aided resources, 10 meet its large expenditures
On my coming into office, debt of 100000 ex-
listed against the Department, which Congress dis
charged by appropriation from the Treasury
| Tho Department will be found on the 4th OF March
next, under the management Of the present efficient
head, free of debt and embarrassment, which only
could have been done by the observance and prac-
tce Of the greatest vigilence and economy. The
| laws have contemplated throughout, that the de-
partment shall be sef-sustained; but itmay become
necessary, with the wises regard for the public in
terests, to introduce amendments and alterations in
the system. There is strong desire manifested in
many quarters, TO alter the tariff of letter POSTAGE
as secuce the amount of tax already imposed
Should such q measure be carried into effect 10 the
full extent desired, il cannot well doubted but
that, for the first years of lis operation, diminish
| ed revenue would be collected, the supply of
| which woui necessarily constitute charge ON the
| Treasury. Whether such result would be deslIa-
ble ii viii be for congress in its wisdom to deter
mine. 1t may in general be asserted, that radical
alterations i'll any system, should rather be brought
about gradually, than by sudden changes; and by
pursuing this prudent policy in the reduction of
postage, the Department might still sustain itself
through the revenue which would accrue through
the increase OF letters. The state and condition
of the public treasury has heretofore been such as
tcrial change. The difficulties upon this head
have however, ceased, and large discretion is
now left TO the Government
/ cannot too strongly uIge the policy of authori-
zing the establishing line OF steam ships regular
ly TO ply between this country and foreign ports,
and upon own waters FOR the transportation OF
the mall The example of the British Govern
ment is well worthy Of imitation in this respect
The belief is strongly entertained that the emolu
aris fron he fran AT Df mn
to foreign countries, would operate Of itself in
ducement to individual enterprise to under
take that btanch of the task and the remuneration
TO the Government would consist in the addition
readily made to steam navy in case OF enler-
gency by the ships so employed. Should this sus-
gsstion meet your approval, the proprieiy OF pia-
cling such ships nnder the command of experienced
officers of the navy, will not escape your obserVa
ton. The application Of steam 10 the purpose oil
naval warfare. cogently recommends az extensive
steam marine, as important IN estimating the def
ences of the country. Fortunately this may be
attained by US TO a great extent without mourning
any large amount of expenditure. steam vessels
to be engaged in the transportation Gt the mails on
our principal waer-courses lakes and part of our
coast, could also be constructed as to be efficient
war vessels when needed; and would of them |
selves constitute a formidable force, in order 10
repel attacks from abroad. We cannot be blind 10
the fact that other nations have already added !
large numbers Of steam ships TO their naval anna
meuts, and that this new and powerful assnt is |
destined to become general, and revoiutoniZe the
world, 1t becomes the United States, therefore,
looking to their security, TO adopt similar poicT.
and the plan suggested will enable them to do 50,
at a comparative small cost.
The appropriations made by Conglcss for the
improvement Of the rivers of the Nest and OF the
harbors on the lakes, are in course Of judicious
expenditure, under suitable agents; and are des-
tined it is to be hoppe, realize all the benefits |
designed TO be accomplished by Congress. can
not however, sufficiently impress upon Congress
the great Importance of withholding appropia-
tons from Improvements which are not ascertain
ed, by previous examination and survey, TO be
necessary for tho shelter and protection Of trade
from the dangers OF storms aud tempesis. With
out this precaUton, the expenditures are but too
apt to inuro TO the benefit of individuals, with
out reference 20 the only consideration that can |
render them consti'u!onal-.ho public interest and
the general good.
have thus, gentlemen of the two Houses OF
Congress, presented you with faithful picture oil
the condition Of public affairs, both foreign and
domestic. The wants of the public service are
made known to you and matters of no ordinary |
importance are urged upon your consideration
Shall not be permitted 10 congratulate you the
happy auspices under which you have assembled, |
aud at the important change in the condition OF
things which has occurred wi;hin thelastthree years
During that period, questions with foreign pow
ers of vital importance TO the peace of our country,
have been settled and adjusted.-A desolatng and /
wasting war with savage tribes has been brought
TO a close. The Internal tranquility of the country
threatened by agitating questions, has been pres
erved. The credit Of the Government, which had |
experienced 4 temporary embarrassment, has been I
thoroughly restored Its Golfers though fora season
empty, have been replenished. A currency, near
ly uniform in ITS value, has taken the place OF one
dsprrciated ard almost worthless