Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1844-12-07

OF economy but as highly useful and necessary
he only establishment of the sort now connect
ed with the serviceis located at Boston and the
advantages of a similar establishment convent
ent to the henp.growing region, must be appar-
ent TO all
The report of the Secretary presents other
matters to your consideration, of an important
character in connection with the service.
In referring you TO the accompanying report
of the Postmaster General il affords me conti-
nucd cause of grat cation to be able to advert 10
the fact that the affairs of the Department, for
the last ionr years have been conducted as,
from its unaided resources to meet its large ex.
pcuditures On my coming into ofice debt of
nearly S5OO,OO existed against the Department,
which Congress dischargedby an appropriation
from the Treasury. The Department on the ith
of March next, will be found, under the manage
mcnt OF the present efficient head. free of debt or
embarrassment, which could only have been done
by the observance and practice of the greatest
vigilance and economy. The laws have contem-
plated, throughout, that the Department should
be seli-snstaihed but il may become necessary,
with the wisest regard to public interests to in
troduce amendments and alterations in the sys.
TEN.
There is a strong desire manifested in many
quarters, to alter the tariff of letter postage
! 10 reduce the amount of tax at present i'm.
posed. Should such a measure be carr led into
effect TO the full extent desired IL cam OF well
be doubted but that for the first year of its OPP
Grafton, diminished revenue would be collect
ed, the supply of which would necessarily con-
/ stltute a charge upon the Treasury Whether
! such result would be desirable, il will be for
/ Congress. in its wisdom. 10 determine II NAV
in general be asserted, that radical alterations in
any system should rather be brought about grad
uaIy, than by sudden changes and by pursuing
tbs prudent policy in the reduction of letter
postage, the Department might still sustain it.
self through the revenue which would accrue by
tl.,,
of the public Treasury has. heretofore been
such as to have prccluded the recommendation
of any material change The difficulties upon
this head have. however ceased and large dis
cretion is now left TO the Government.
cannot too strongly urge the policy of author
lzing the establishment of line of steamships
regularly TO ply between this country and foreign
parts. and upon our own waters. for the trans
portatIon of the mail. The example of the Br-
tsh Government is well worthy of imitation in
this respect. The belief is strongly entertained
that the emonmrnts arising from the transporta-
tion of mail matter to foreign countries would
, operate of itself as an inducement to cause indi-
vldual 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
propricty of placing such ships nudcr the com
not escape your observation The application
of steam to the purpose Of naval warfare cogrnt-
Iy recommends an extensive steam marine as i'm
rortant in estimating the defence. of the country
Fortunately this may be attained by us to great
extent without incurring any large amount of
pcnditure. Steam vessels to be engaged in the
transportation of the mails on our principal
water-courses, lakes. and parts of our coast
could also be constructed to be efficient as
war vessels when needed: and would of them
selves constitute a formidable force in order TO
repe attacks from abroad We cannot be blind
10 the fact that other nations have already added
, large numbers of steamships 10 their naval arma-
ments, and that this new and powerful agent is
, destined 10 rcvoutionzr the condition of the
world. II becomes the United States therefore,
looking 10 their security. 10 adopt similar poli-
, cy; and the plan suggested will enable them 10
, DO so at a small comparative cost
| take the greatest pleasure in bearing testi.
mony TO the zeal and uniirinc industry which has
, characterized the conduct of the members of the
Executive Cabinet. Each. in his appropriate
; sphere has rendered me the most efficient aid in
CaTrying on the Government. and il will not,
trust appear ont of place for me to bear this pub
lie testimony The cardinal obi cts which should
f ever b" held in view hv those entrusted with the
administration OF the public affairs are rigidly,
= and without favour or affection, 10 interpret
: the national WILL expressed in the laws, as that
injustice should be done 10 nonc-iu>tcc 10 all
This las been III" rule upon which they have
acted; and thus il is b b'lcvrd that few cases il
any, exist, wherein our fellow citizens, who
from time 10 time have been drawn 10 the Scat
: OF Government for the settlement of their trans
u actions with the Government, have gone away
, dISSatIstipd
g Where the testimony has been perfected, an.
i was esteemed sat sactorv, their claims have
" been promptly audited and this in the absence
n of all iavOrItism OF partIalIty. The Government
" which is not Just TO its own people. can neithc
f claim their affection nor the respect of III,
II world. Al the same time the closest attention
. las been paid 10 those matters which relate NOR,
Immediately 10 the great concerns of the conn
try. Order and efficiency in each branch of tht
. public service, have prevailed, accompanied 10y
= system of the most rigid responsibility on IN,
II part of the receiving and disbursng agents. Th;
/. fact, in illustration of the truth OF this remark
,i deserves 10 be noticed. that the revenues of th
If Government. amounting in the last -four years
g upwards of 100000 coo, have been collect,
II and disbursed through the numerous Cover
. mental agents, without the loss, by default, OF al
j., amount of serious commentary.
f The appropriations made by Congress for Il
, Improvement OF the rivers of the West and ,
. the haThors, on the lakes, in course of iud,
;, ciouS expenditure under suitable agents, and ar
= destined, it is 10 be hoped, 10 realize all the ber
= efts designed 10 be accomplished by Congress
| cannot, however sufficiently impress upo
-, Congress the great importance of withhodn-
:, appropriations from Improvements which are
not asceTtalned by previous examination and sur
vey 10 be necessary for the shelter and protection
" OF trade from the dangers of storms and tempests
Without tins prcCautlou the expenditures are but
: too apt 10 enure 10 the benefit of individuals--
), without reference 10 the only consideration