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

me continued cause of qualification 10 be
able to advert to the fact, that the affairs
of the department, for the last four years,
have been so conducted, as, from lis I'M
aided resources, 10 meet its large eXpen.
ditures. On my coming into Office, debt
Of nearly S500.000 existed against the
Department, which Congress discharged
by an appropriation from the treasury.
The department, on the 4lh Of March
next, will be found, under the management
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 contemplated, throughout,
that the department should be self-sus-
tanned; but it may become necessary,
with the wlsest regard to the public inter
ests, to introduce amendments and altera-
tons in the system. There is a strong
desire manifested in many quarters, so to
alter the tariff of letter postage, as 10 re-
duce the amount of tax at present i'm
posed. Should such Il measure be carried
into effect, to the full extent desired, it
clnnot we'll be doubted but that, for the
first year Of its 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 will be for
Congress, in its wisdom, TO determine. 1t
may in general be asserted, thai 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 still sustain itself
through The revenue which would accrue
by the increase of letters, The state and
condition of the public Treasury has,
heretofore, been such as to bave precu-
ded the recommendation of any material
change. The difficulties upon this head
have, however, ceased, and large discre-
ton is now left to the Government.
| cannot too strongly urge the policy of
authorizing the establishment Of line of
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-.
tertaned, that the emoluments arising
from tho transportation of mail matter to
foreign countries, would operate of itself
as an inducement 10 cause individual en-.
terDrise 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 appro.
val, the proprjely of placing such ships
under The command of experienced Off
GERS Of the Navy will not escape your OBJ.
seryotion. The application of steam to
the purpose Of naval warfare, cogently
recommends an extensive steam marine
rs important in estimating the defence Of
the country, Fortunately, this may be at
tanned by us 10 great extent without in
curing any large amount of expenditure.
Steam vessels to be engaged in the trans
poration Of the mails on our principal wa
ter-course, lakes, and parts of our coast,
could also be so constructed as to be eff,
cient as war vessels when needed; and
would of themselves constitute formida-
bic force in order to repel attacks from
abroad. We cannot be blind TO 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 10 revolationize
the condition Of the world 1t becomes
the United States, therefore, looking to
their country, to adopt a similar policy;
and the plan suggested will enable them
to do so at a small comparative cost.
| take the greatest pleasure in bearing
testimony to the zeal and untiring industry
which has characterized the conduct of
the members of the Executive Cabinet.
Each, in his appropriate sphere, has rem
dered me the most efficient aid in carrying
on the government, and it will not, trust,
appear out of place for me 10 bear this
public testimony. The cardinal objects
which should ever be held in view by those
entrusted with the administration of pub.
lie affairs, are rigidly, and without favor
or affection, so to interpret the national
viii, expressed in the laws, as that inius.
tice should be done to none--justice to all.
This has been the rule upon which they
have acted; and thus, it is believed that
few cases, if any, exist, wherein our fel.
low citizens, who from tme,to time have
been drawn 10 the seat of government for
he settlement of their transactions with
he government, have gone away dissalis.
fed. Where the testimony has been per-
iected, and was deemed satisfactory, their
claims have been promptly audited; and
this in the absence of all favortism or par
liality. The government which is not Just
TO its own people, can neither claim their
affection nor the respect OF the world
A a Al. IL q